Realistic Take: Ugly but not Hopeless

We’re sitting at 0-3, and yeah, that’s disappointing. The offense is averaging a meager 12.7 points per game, with zero red-zone touchdowns through three weeks. Play-calling has been rough, especially in long down situations, and the third-down conversion rate is….well it ain’t great. Too often, nothing develops, either because Stroud is stuck on his first read or because the pocket collapses before routes even have time to unfold.

But here’s the part that keeps me from throwing in the towel: the Texans’ three losses are by a combined 13 points. Against the Jags, we were a Nico Collins fumble away from a possible dub. The turnovers have been brutal and most of the damage comes at the worst possible times Clean up just half of that, and you could argue we’re closer to 2-1 or even 3-0. But again, some of this is cultural that dates back to the BoB era. I’m not entirely convinced that our great “culture” is keeping players accountable. Repeated mistakes tend to suggest that it’s not the case.

But we are what the record says we are. I’m just saying let’s not ignore context. This is a unit with:

• A first-time play caller still finding rhythm
• Offensive line issues that at least looked promising at the end of the Jags game
• Receivers struggling for separation at times, making the offense feel constricted (though it was nice to see Kirk settle in; I’m sure he’s going to get more involved in the coming weeks)

I don’t think hope is lost. It’s frustrating, but we’re missing key offensive pieces and this roster’s still gelling.

My take: don’t smash the panic button yet. Give it until Week 7 or 8 to see if the offense settles in. The AFC South is still volatile, and the season’s far from over.