The Houston Texans are fortunate to have one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL, C.J. Stroud, leading their offense. Stroud’s ability as a pocket passer is among the best in the league, and his poise under pressure has been a revelation for Texans fans. However, despite Stroud’s impressive performance, Houston’s offense is still grappling with a significant and concerning issue: the running game.
Slowik’s Conservative Approach
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has not fully unleashed Stroud’s potential on first downs. Instead of allowing Stroud to take control, Slowik has favored a conservative approach, often opting for run plays. This strategy has backfired, as Houston’s ground game has struggled throughout the 2024 season. The only bright spot was in Week 1, when Joe Mixon had a standout performance. Since then, however, the numbers have been grim. Houston ranks 23rd in the NFL in expected points added (EPA) per running play, a key statistic that measures the impact of a running play on a team’s expected points, and only the Las Vegas Raiders have managed fewer first-down conversions on the ground than Houston’s disappointing 19.
Mixon’s Absence and Its Impact
Joe Mixon initially appeared to solve Houston’s running game woes. Unfortunately, his injury has left a significant void in the Texans’ offense, a void that is keenly felt. With Mixon sidelined, the burden has fallen on C.J. Stroud to make big plays, particularly on third downs. Given the team’s struggles in the running game, it would make sense for Houston to rely more heavily on Stroud’s arm, potentially having him throw 40-plus times per game. But Slowik has resisted that temptation, sticking to his commitment to the run.
This strategy was evident in Week 4 against Jacksonville, where the Texans ran the ball on 10 of 16 first-down plays in the second half. Similarly, in Week 2’s victory over the Chicago Bears, Slowik called seven running plays in Houston’s first 10 first-down opportunities. These numbers demonstrate Slowik’s traditionalist approach, aiming to lighten the load on Stroud by shortening the down-and-distance with early-down runs. This means that Slowik’s strategy is to use running plays to gain a few yards on first down, making it easier for Stroud to convert the subsequent downs.
Slowik’s Offense: Sticking to Principles
Although Bobby Slowik is a talented schemer, his reluctance to let C.J. Stroud fully take control on early downs is causing fans frustration. The Texans’ offense, expected to be one of the NFL’s most potent in 2024, has only shown glimpses of its potential. Stroud has thrived when allowed to push the ball downfield, but Slowik’s preference for the running game has limited those chances.
Slowik’s approach is unlikely to change as Houston prepares to face Josh Allen and the high-powered Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Even when Joe Mixon returns, Slowik’s commitment to a balanced offense suggests that the run game will remain a focal point, regardless of its effectiveness. A balanced offense, which involves a mix of running and passing plays, can keep the defense guessing and create opportunities for big plays, but it also requires a strong running game to be effective.
For the Houston Texans to truly unlock their offensive potential, they may need to give C.J. Stroud more freedom to lead the team, especially on early downs. While Slowik’s conservative approach may be rooted in protecting his young quarterback, Stroud has already shown he can handle the pressure. If Houston continues to struggle on the ground, it might be time to reconsider the offensive strategy.