After back-to-back seasons with playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019, the Houston Texans have struggled to generate any type of momentum with only 11 wins over the past three seasons. However, even with those down years, the optimism is very high based on some of the moves made this offseason.
It is not even fans that are feeling that excitement as players are recognizing it as well. Recently, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil made it clear that expectations are high this season and said on The Adam Schefter Podcast to not sleep on the Texans.
Now with training camp set to kick off here in the next few days, these are four reasons that fans should be very excited about what could be ahead for this franchise.
4 reasons to get super excited for Houston Texans training camp
Clear direction for the franchise moving forward
The first reason is something that the Texans have not had for a few years now and that is a clear direction for the franchise moving forward. After firing Bill O'Brien midway through the season the team would hire David Culley and Lovie Smith as head coach but both coaches only lasted one season.
The Texans decided to bring back a former player DeMeco Ryans to be head coach after he had a few years of success leading the 49ers defense as defensive coordinator. This doesn't seem like a stopgap hire as head coach and are committed to Ryan long-term.
In addition to Ryan and his coaching staff, the Texans also found their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a cornerstone on defense with Will Anderson. While the Texans may be better, it might take a few years to establish them as a threat in the division or conference but the building blocks are certainly there.
C.J. Stroud
The next reason to be excited was hinted at on the previous slide with the addition of quarterback C.J. Stroud. The former Buckeyes' quarterback was among one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class alongside Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson and each has their case to be made to be the top quarterback.
Since Deshaun Watson, the Texans haven't had a clear answer at quarterback while Davis Mills has taken a majority of the snaps during that period alongside Tyrod Taylor, Kyle Allen and Jeff Driskel. While Mills showed some good things there is no question that the ceiling for Stroud is much higher and he has a chance to be a top quarterback in the NFL in the near future.
In his two seasons as the starter with the Buckeyes, he had over 8,100 passing yards with 85 touchdowns. While these numbers certainly can be inflated by the competition, Stroud put any questions to rest with his game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoffs last season.
The Bulldogs had one of the best defenses in college football history last season and they had no answer to Stroud who threw for 348 passing yards and four touchdowns. While there may be some hiccups as a rookie, the learning curve may not be as steep for Stroud with the Texans.
Improved Pass Rush
Last season, the Houston Texans defense was a bit overlooked due to the struggles of the offense but there were some pieces they can build on. One of those aspects is a pass rush that should go from being middle of the league to a Top 10 pass rush in 2023.
The Texans not only have Jerry Hughes back and Jonathan Greenard returning from injury but have added Will Anderson, arguably the best defensive player in the NFL Draft, along with Chase Winovich, who is a great depth player and should be a key part of the rotation.
These four players alongside defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins should give the Texans an excellent defensive line that should be able to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Derek Stingley Jr. entering second year
Another reason on the defensive side of the ball that fans should be super excited about the Houston Texans training camp is the return of Derek Stingley Jr., who was the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He would only get to play in nine games last season but did do a little bit of everything with 43 total tackles, one interception, one sack, and five passes defended.
However, he would end his rookie season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. He is now expected to be ready for the start of training camp and build off that promising rookie season.
The secondary as a whole should be improved with veterans Jimmie Ward, Steven Nelson, and Desmond King II alongside Pitre and Stingley Jr. this season. However, the key to this group is Derek Stingley Jr. as he has such a high ceiling and the potential to be a shutdown corner for DeMeco Ryan's defense.
A big season from Derek Stingley Jr. is going to be a difference maker for this defense and will only speed up the process from going from good to great this season.