Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints Preview: Offense Must Find Consistency

C.J. Stroud's heroics are encouraging, but without consistency from the entire offense, the Houston Texans could be in trouble against the New Orleans Saints.

The Houston Texans are exceeding expectations, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t legitimate grips on a week-to-week basis. One such flaw is the offense’s consistency. Against a well-coached New Orleans Saints defense, opportunities to find one’s footing will be far and few between.

New Orleans is coming off of an utter dismantling of a once proud New England Patriots team, winning on the road, 34-0. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has already cemented himself as a level above that of Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, but a slow start could put Houston behind and render them one-dimensional.

Or, perhaps more one-dimensional. The Texans have struggled to run the ball all year, ranking 30th in expected points added per rush and last in rushing success rate. New Orleans, on the other hand, is the second-best in the defensive rendition of those metrics.

Stroud takes a snap against the Atlanta Falcons / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it comes from the offensive line gelling better with another week under its belt, or an explosive rush from running back Dameon Pierce, something must give. It’s possible offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik tries to supplant the run game with a heavy dosage of quick game, but putting even more on Stroud’s plate feels like pushing Houston’s luck.

That’s not an indictment of Stroud, but a reality of playing quarterback as a rookie in the NFL.

Furthermore, despite Houston’s offensive achievements, few have come in a string of four consecutive quarters. Starting slow has cost Houston before—in each of the Texans’ three losses, they’ve failed to score more than 10 first-half points.

Fans have every reason to believe the future is bright, but the next hurdle for Stroud and this young Houston team is remaining competitive for 60 minutes. Without doing so, it’s hard to consider the Texans as a true contender for the AFC South title, regardless of how tightly contested that race remains.

Getting off on the right foot will be imperative for this offense, but the run game’s struggles don’t inspire much confidence.

WHAT: Houston Texans (2-3) vs. New Orleans Saints (3-2)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (72,220)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, 12 p.m. (CDT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +1.5 (-110), Moneyline +100, Total: 42.5 (o -110/u -118)