The Houston Texans surprised the NFL in 2023 by bouncing back from a dismal 3-13-1 season to clinch 10 victories and secure the AFC South title.
Within the Texans organization, there are three individuals under significant scrutiny:
1. Running back Dameon Pierce:
Pierce showed promise in his rookie year, amassing 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries, along with 30 receptions and a receiving touchdown. However, despite starting the 2023 season as Houston’s primary running back, he lost his starting position to Devin Singletary halfway through the season, ending with only two games of over 50 rushing yards. With the recent acquisition of Joe Mixon, expected to take over as the lead rusher, Pierce faces the risk of diminishing playing time if he repeats his lackluster performance from 2023.
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2. Wide receiver Robert Woods:
Acquired by the Texans last offseason to bring stability to the wide receiver corps, Woods’s modest output of 40 receptions, 426 yards, and one touchdown falls short of justifying his nearly $10 million salary. With Nico Collins and Tank Dell emerging as the team’s top two receivers, Woods now competes with Noah Brown, John Metchie, and Xavier Hutchinson for the WR3 spot. Despite Metchie’s return from leukemia and Brown’s surpassing Woods on the depth chart midseason, Woods may find himself starting as Houston’s fourth or fifth receiver based on his performance in training camp.
3. Defensive end Jerry Hughes:
Following a standout season in 2022 with nine sacks, Hughes experienced a decline in 2023, managing only three sacks and 30 pressures across 17 games. With the Texans bolstering their defensive line by adding Denico Autry, Mario Edwards Jr., and Danielle Hunter—each known for their ability to rush the passer—Hughes’s failure to generate consistent pressure may jeopardize his roster spot.
