The Houston Texans just rattled off two straight wins, and you know what? That’s got some fans thinking this team might actually be able to turn things around this season. With a schedule coming up against the Giants, Chargers, Browns, and Colts that’s being called “fairly pedestrian,” there’s a real chance to keep that momentum rolling. But don’t let those wins completely distract you from some of the massive questions this team is still facing, especially when you dig into the details.
The Running Back Conundrum: Who’s the Guy in Houston?
Alright, let’s talk about that backfield, because it’s a mess of talent and uncertainty. David Montgomery? The dude still leads the Texans in rushing touchdowns and is lethal at the goal line. The team invested a *substantial* amount in him, both with draft capital and that contract, so you know they want to make it work. The hope is that with the offensive line improving and the shift to a pass-first offense, things will open up for him. But then you’ve got Woody Marks, who could be getting the majority of the carries. And Jawhar Jordan? He just got placed on the practice squad injured list, so he’s out of the picture for a bit. There’s no world where Montgomery is RB3, but the way Marks is pushing for carries, this isn’t settled, not by a long shot. It’s a huge decision for them: do they stick with the big investment, or do they lean into the younger talent?
Pass-First Offense, Rookie WRs, and Adaptable Play-Calling
Moving to the passing game, it’s clear the Texans are trying to light it up through the air, and that’s creating some interesting dynamics. The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. was a big move, a second-round pick! The expectation is he’s gonna be a huge part of this offense now and in the future. But here’s the kicker: after a recent game, the guy admitted he knows “not even half” of the playbook. Seriously? He’s in an acclimation period, sure, but that’s a wild quote. With Tank Dell returning and Harrison Jr. eventually learning the system, guys like Xavier Hutchinson (19) could see their snap counts drop way down, maybe even prompting a trade before the deadline.
On the coaching side, OC Nick Caley is showing some serious adaptability by adding run-pass option (RPO) looks to the offense. Fewer teams are doing RPOs right now, which means fewer defenses are preparing for them. Just the *threat* of a pass is helping the run game, which is a smart wrinkle. Plus, the offensive line situation is something to watch. Blake Fisher has shown improvement and the team is comfortable with him starting if someone gets hurt. With Trent Brown and Braden Smith’s future unclear, Fisher could definitely get a shot. Oh, and they’re rocking five tight ends on the roster, using all of them this season, with rookie Marlin Klein being a long-term project. They must really like what they’ve got there.
What’s Next for the Texans?
This next quarter of the schedule against the Giants, Chargers, Browns, and Colts is huge. If they keep winning, those lingering questions about the backfield and Harrison Jr.’s playbook knowledge might start to feel less urgent. But if they stumble, every single one of these internal debates is going to explode. Can this team build on these two wins and prove they’re for real, or will the cracks in the foundation start to show? We’ll find out soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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