Houston Texans Coach Bobby Slowik Reveals Challenges of 'Fire Truck' New York Jets Pass Rush

The Houston Texans will have to deal with a stout New York Jets defense on Sunday afternoon.

The Houston Texans may be favored against the struggling New York Jets on Sunday, but that doesn't mean that they won't face their fair share of challenges.

The Jets feature a strong defense and pass rush, and since the Texans offense is one that runs through rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, that can present some problems, if things go off-script. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik discussed the difficulties that the New York pass rush could give his offense during media availability this week.

“There’s a lot of challenges," Slowik said. "I wouldn’t even say it’s just the front, and the front is kind of the engine that makes the fire truck go. It’s a big vehicle because it’s a really good defense. But, their second-level players, their [linebackers] – probably some of the best backers we’ve played all year."

Nov 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in then second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / © Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Slowik was sure to point out that it's not just the Jets front seven that is talented, but their secondary could also cause some issues, if its firing on all cylinders this week.

"We’re going to be throwing into some small windows a lot in this game, and we’ve got to be very precise and on it," Slowik said. "And then you add in the defensive line and the pressures, and it’s something we’ve really got to take care of as coaches. We’ve got to help out, for sure. 

"But just as much as it is on scheme, it’s going to be on guys being aggressive in their sets, making sure we’re covering guys up, we’re not getting displaced or moved back, and the receivers and the tight ends and the quarterback playing on time and really, as much as we can, playing on rhythm."

Texans vs. Jets Preview: Can Stroud Overcome Elite Defense?

Based on statistics, the Jets enter this week with the No. 9 total defense in the NFL, so the MVP-hopeful Stroud will have his work cut out for him at the Meadowlands. So far this season, Stroud leads the league in passing yardage with 3,540, and he has thrown 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions through 12 games of his professional career.

Kickoff on Sunday between Houston and New York is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on CBS.