Texans seek a way out of winless start as defensive errors and run game weigh
The Houston Texans enter their meeting with the Tennessee Titans without a win this NFL season. A CBS Sports analysis points to defensive communication failures and a struggling rushing attack despite improved quarterback play from C.J. Stroud.
DeMeco Ryans has taken back defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Matt Burke. The coach said he wanted to streamline communication. Houston's first game after the change is an October 11 visit to Tennessee, which is also winless.
CBS Sports reports that Houston is allowing 2.42 points per drive, compared with 1.21 last season. The defense remains in the top 10 by opponent success rate but ranks 25th in defensive EPA per play and 28th in explosive-play rate allowed. EPA measures changes in expected points, highlighting the cost of opponents' big gains.
The analysis examines two breakdowns in the loss to Dallas. In one, Derek Stingley Jr. tried to pass CeeDee Lamb's coverage to Calen Bullock, who stayed with George Pickens. In another, Kamari Lassiter reacted to a deceptive route by Pickens while Reed Blankenship moved toward the middle of the field. Dak Prescott exploited the resulting space.
The offense has problems of its own. Changes to the line and running back group have yet to produce a dependable ground game. CBS Sports lists an average of 3.5 yards per carry, a rushing success rate of 32.9% excluding quarterback scrambles and minus-0.15 EPA per rush. Those struggles increase the burden on Stroud.
The quarterback ranks 11th in EPA per dropback and 13th in dropback success rate, according to the analysis. The author highlights improved pocket movement and accurate passing. Those strengths have not yet offset shortcomings elsewhere on the team.
All four Houston losses have been decided by one score. The Texans reached the playoffs after starting 0-3 in 2025, but their current position is more difficult. A turnaround depends on repairing defensive communication and giving the passing game more effective support on the ground.
