A significant portion of the regression Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud experienced during his second NFL season was undoubtedly linked to an offensive line that underperformed.
The Texans addressed those concerns up front this offseason, revamping their line to the extent that only right tackle Tytus Howard returns as a starter on the five-man unit. Right off the bat, the Texans will face a stiff test when they open their season on Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams’ defensive front is ferocious and effective. With Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young and Kobie Turner, the Rams enter with a definite advantage in the trenches.
“I think we’ve got a great challenge,” Stroud said. “This defensive line is really good, starting with Verse. He’s really, really good and really strong and powerful. No. 55 (Fiske), No. 91 (Turner), No. 0 (Young), all of them are really good.
“So I think this is a great challenge for us, and those guys know that and they’re preparing. I think it’s going to be a great battle.”
Rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery is tasked with replacing five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, now with the Washington Commanders, and protecting Stroud’s blindside. However, the entire, unproven unit is responsible for keeping Stroud upright and free from pressure.
“There’s been questions all offseason about our offensive line,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Everybody wants to know who’s going out there, who is this guy at this position, that position, it’s just a lot of talk that I’m, quite frankly, tired of talking about it.
“It’s time to go play, and let’s see how our five matches up against a really great defensive line, and that’s what we’ll see on Sunday. Let’s see how it all plays out.”
There were tenuous moments this preseason for the Rams regarding quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose back woes appeared to threaten his availability for the season opener. But with Stafford cleared to play and poised to start against the Texans, the focus shifts to the Rams’ offensive potential following the offseason addition of stellar veteran receiver Davante Adams.
The coupling of Adams with third-year receiver Puka Nacua is enticing. Adams, who ranks second among active players with 103 receiving touchdowns and fourth in career receptions (957) and receiving yards (11,844), arrives as a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
Nacua earned All-Pro honors as a rookie after recording 105 catches for 1,486 yards. He missed six games last season, which impacted his productivity. Nonetheless, Nacua showed growth despite missing time, and teaming up with Adams creates a strong duo for the Rams.
“I think they’re two great players,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “Obviously, we’ve talked a lot about what Puka has been able to do his first couple of years. I think he’s gotten better each of the last couple of years. He had a great rookie year. Obviously, he didn’t play as many games last year, but he played more efficient football. He took a step in the right direction. I think he’s in the midst of being able to do that, going into Year 3.
“Davante is a special player. His resume speaks for itself. He’s not limited in any way that you can use him, and so very excited about adding him. And then, really, the other four receivers that we have, we feel really good about. I think top to bottom, it’s a really deep group that I have a ton of trust in every single one of those guys. Obviously, our top two guys are Davante and Puka in terms of just when you look at it … I love this receiving group.”
–Field Level Media
