2023 OffensiveParallel

I haven't seen this mentioned yet in all the doom and gloom about the offense. But here's my take.

The Rams game looked a lot like the Ravens game from 2023 to me. Overall, a lot of inept play with some chances to get back in it that were ultimately thwarted by a team that was just plain better on that day.

Add in the last minute Oline shuffle, an elite pass rush, and an amazing Peanut punch and you get what happened on Sunday.

Also, you can definitely take to the bank that if any team was going to give Caley the hardest time in a debut, it's McVay's. That defense knows what Caley is trying to do better than Caley knows it.

So, all that to say this. Going into week 2 of 2023, no one expected what that offense would become by the end of the season. From what I've seen, I think the pieces in place are higher in quality in 2025. I expect them to struggle against TB. I expect them to struggle for the first quarter of the season, and I don't think they'll bomb it down field like 2023. But if you want to be optimistic or pessimistic, you've got plenty of reasons to be either. For me, I'm excited to see how it plays out.

Here's my main reason for optimism. Bobby's Shanny lite system had a higher floor and lower ceiling once the league adjusted. This system has a lower floor and limitless ceiling once CJ adjusts. I think CJ will get his offense on track. Maybe not this week, but at least I see the possibility. I didn't have that in 2024 because I didn't think Slowik or his ideology would allow it. I don't historically see that limitation with this system, and their focus on the fundamentals gives CJ more tools in his toolbox. I've been around every block with the Texans. I'm as jaded as any other Texans fan. But I generally have a good feel for when an offense is just going against a bad matchup, needs to gel, or has far worse problems. This reads like the first two to me. I can be proven wrong, but there's my take. Injuries, of course, can derail all of this.

Final assessment, the Rams had far better talent receiving than the Texans, Stafford who has been with McVay's system for longer than CJ, and the home field advantage on a more established team, and they won by 5 points and only scored 14. This team will score more than 9 points.

Oh, and CJ's performance under pressure shows that his mental command of the offense will be an asset to him once some of these other factors alleviate.