Following a season-opening 14-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Houston Texans (0-1) return to NRG Stadium to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) on Monday night. It marks the first time in franchise history the Texans will host a home opener on Monday Night Football.
Here are three storylines to follow as the Texans look to get in the win column this season.
Can the Texans offense turn things around in Week 2?
There’s really nowhere to go but up, right? Houston managed just 265 yards of offense and converted 2-of-9 third-down attempts in Week 1. They were also flagged 11 times, with seven coming from the offense. Shortly after the loss, Texans third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud called out the team’s lackluster performance:
“We didn’t deserve to win that game, because we didn’t do the right things.” Stroud told the media.“When you come out in the NFL, lollygagging and going through the motions, that kind of happens. I think we’ll be all right, but I think it’s a good wake-up call for us.”
If their last meeting is any indication, Stroud and the offense should turn things around on Monday. The last time these teams met was on November 5, 2023, when Houston’s offense compiled 496 yards in a thrilling 39-37 comeback victory. Stroud set a rookie record, throwing for 470 yards and five touchdowns.
Expect the offensive line to improve against the Buccaneers
With guard Ed Ingram a last-minute scratch with an abdominal injury, the Texans were forced to move some players around on their relatively new and unproven offensive line last Sunday. Stroud struggled, completing 19-of-27 passes for 188 yards and an interception. He was also sacked three times against the Rams, but should be better protected this week.
Ingram is expected to be back, meaning the Texans can line up as their depth chart suggests - from left to right: Aireonte Ersery, Lake Tomlinson, Jarrett Patterson, Ingram, and Tytus Howard. Patterson is replacing starting center Jake Andrews, who suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday.
Should they need to, the Texans also have tackles Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher, in addition to guard Juice Scruggs, to lean on.
Will a Texans’ rookie wide receiver break out in Week 2?
Monday night's contest will feature Buccaneers rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka. The 19th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft looked impressive in his NFL debut, recording four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
The Texans also have a pair of rookie wideouts who are expected to have big contributions this season. Former teammates at Iowa State, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel combined for three catches for 39 yards in Week 1.
With offseason acquisitions Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios out for a second straight game, look for Higgins and Noel to be Stroud’s next best options behind Nico Collins on Monday.