After a great 2024 season that ended in a controversial loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans are closer than ever to having a Super Bowl contending roster. Under head Coach Demeco Ryans, the team is ready to make a Super Bowl push in the upcoming 2025 season. After the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the front roster wasted no time in addressing coaching concerns, parting ways with Bobby Slowik and the offensive line coach. Now, as they enter the 2025 season they look to improve the interior offensive line, add some young talent to the wide receiver room, and hire a new offensive guru at offensive coordinator.
The biggest weakness in the 2024 season was the offensive line’s struggles specifically in pass protection. CJ Stroud was the second most sacked QB in the entire NFL. While Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil remained a NFL pro bowler, the rest of the Offensive line struggled, especially the inconsistency from the interior. Democo Ryans acknowledged the issue at the end of season Press conference.
“We have to protect our quarterback better. C.J. [Stroud] is our guy, and we can’t let him take those kinds of hits every game” Ryans said.
To address this issue the Texans must look to upgrade the interior with free agency and the NFL draft. Bobby Slowik’s lack of creativity did not help the struggling offensive line as it was obvious when we would run versus pass block, allowing opposing defenses to send a blitz.
Another serious issue was the wide receiver corps, which was expected to be elite but due to injuries struggled. Tank Dell’s severe knee injury sidelined him up to the 2026 season with a torn ACL and dislocated knee cap. Stephon Diggs early season injury started the decline in the wide receiver corps. While Nico Collins still produced a 1,000 yard season the group could not stay consistent.
On the defensive side of the ball the Texans thrived even with the multiple injuries to star players like Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Christian Harris, and many more. With Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. thriving off the edge, a better interior line could cause the Texans to be an opposing team’s worst nightmare. Through free agency and maybe even the NFL draft the Texans could add a young interior pass rusher to the group.
The secondary could also see some changes, especially at safety where Jimmy Ward is expected to move on. With Callen Bullock, the rookie leader in interceptions, at free safety, star Jalen Pitre at slot cornerback, all-pro corner Derick Stingley at corner alongside rookie standout Kamari Lassiter, the Texans only have one hole to fill at strong safety.
The Texans have the key pieces for a deep run in the 2025 playoffs, but their success hinges on addressing these areas immediately and thoroughly. With a better offensive line and more consistency from wide receivers, CJ Stroud could dissect opposing teams defenses. If the Texans make the right moves don’t just expect a return to the playoffs, but a run for a Super Bowl.
