It cannot be stressed enough how important the offensive line is to the success of an offense. Fans have long been enamored with the skill position players and all eyes are glued to the quarterback as he drops back to throw and uncorks a bullet to his 4.3 receiver streaking down the field for six.
In those particular plays, the offensive line goes unnoticed. Fans don't recognize the great job the line did in communicating where the opposing defense was coming with a blitz or a double stunt, all they see are the skill position players. Unless of course, the quarterback is never able to get the pass off because he was immediately pressured up the middle, fans then turn their eyes to the offensive line.
Being a lineman in the NFL is arguably the most unheralded position on an NFL roster. No one really notices the complexities of the position or the cerebral requirements to dominate up front. But without those five manning the offensive line, the skill position players simply could not do their job.
David Carr, as all Texans' fans should remember, could not do his job because the line was terrible and it likely cost Carr his career. How many quarterbacks have come through the doors of an NFL team and failed because those in front of him failed?
So, what is it about the Houston Texans offensive line that makes them the X factor for the Texans' 2023 season? Let's jump into this idea and explore some reasons.
Protecting C.J. Stroud should be the primary mission
This should go without saying simply based on what happened to David Carr. Would Carr have been a better quarterback throughout his career with a better line, probably but that's not necessarily saying he would have been a franchise quarterback regardless.
For Stroud to learn, grow, and develop as a quarterback in the NFL, he needs to remain upright in the pocket. It will do him no good if he's constantly running and on his backside. The Texans' offensive line hasn't been stellar in the preseason so far, but with new pieces on the line with Scruggs and Mason, it could take time for this group to gel and solidify their communication.
Let's also not forget that Scruggs is a rookie, manning the quarterback of the offensive line at center. He'll be learning on the fly and is responsible for calling out protection. I think he will be a good center in the NFL but how long will it take him to get there? That could happen now, or it could take all season. Only time will tell.
The second reason also is important to Stroud and that is if the line can create running lanes for the Texans running backs Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary, that will take a lot of the pressure off of Stroud. The team can lean and rely on their running game to carry the offense and also allow the Texans to control the clock, which helps keep the opposing offenses off the field and Houston's defense fresh throughout the game.
Pierce averaged 4.3 yards per carry a season ago and Singletary averaged 4.6 yards. Both these are solid averages and both did it behind suspect offensive lines with their respective teams in 2022. If the Texans line this season can be just above average in this regard, look for the Texans to be able to churn out the yards on the ground.
I believe this team could be a top-ten rushing team but that's going to be dependent on just how good the offensive line can be. If they can step up, it'll help Stroud in a big way but also give the team the ability to remain competitive.
The Houston Texans offensive line is the key to competing in the AFC South
This goes back to the previous two reasons I mentioned. If the Texans' offensive line can protect Stroud and open running lanes, the Texans can and will compete in the AFC South. I'm not guaranteeing a division title for the Texans, but they will have a shot.
We already highlighted the fact that the South is the weakest division in the AFC. It's unknown how good the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in 2023. They looked good down the stretch last season but have yet to be seen if they will continue where they left off. The Titans have some question marks, including whether Derrick Henry can still be the King or if he's going to hit that wall. The Colts are the Colts and don't pose much of a threat.
The Houston Texans' defense should be pretty solid this season, They have the horses at running back, and the receivers are underrated. The offensive line is the biggest question mark, outside of Stroud himself but as I mentioned, the line can play a big part in helping Stroud. The bottom line, if the offensive line can rise, this team can compete in 2023.