Pass Protection is the Biggest Concern for the Texans, Here's Why and Here's the Solutions

The Houston Texans' pass protection has been a persistent issue throughout the season, particularly in road games. The struggles have been most apparent in hostile environments, such as Week 1 at the Indianapolis Colts, Week 3 at the Minnesota Vikings, and most recently in Week 7 at the Green Bay Packers. These defenses exploited the Texans' weaknesses with various tactics, exposing communication problems that have led to unblocked defenders and disrupted offensive rhythm. Despite these setbacks, the fact that the Texans have shown they can pass protect efficiently at times this season offers hope that they can get these issues sorted out. This article will explore why pass protection has become such a pressing concern and propose solutions to address it.

Why Pass Protection Has Been a Problem

1. Communication Breakdown in Loud Environments

In the three road games mentioned, loud stadiums have posed significant challenges for the Texans' offensive line communication. The noise makes it difficult for linemen to hear adjustments, contributing to missed assignments and confusion while using a silent count. This issue is most glaring on third downs, where stunts and blitz packages are more prevalent.

2. Defensive Tactics: Stunts and Simulated Pressures

Defenses have effectively used stunts and simulated pressures to confuse the Texans' offensive line:

• Stunts: These involve defensive linemen switching their rush lanes, causing the offensive line to pass off blocks. The Texans have struggled to do this seamlessly, leading to situations where defenders go untouched.

  
  

• Simulated Pressures: The Vikings and Packers, in particular, have crowded the line of scrimmage with 5-9 defenders, only to drop most of them into coverage while still getting pressure with three or four rushers. This tactic forces the offensive line to guess who is actually rushing, resulting in breakdowns.

  
  

3. Running Backs and Tight Ends Missing Assignments

The struggles aren't limited to the offensive line. Running backs and tight ends have also struggled to pick up blitzes and handle stunts. Like the linemen, they often react too quickly and fall for fake rushes, leaving defenders unblocked.

4. Play Calling and Formation Issues

Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s play calling and the Texans' use of condensed formations have compounded the protection problems:

• Condensed Formations: Tight formations allow defenses to bring safeties close to the line of scrimmage, making it easier for them to blitz and reach the quarterback quickly.

• Play Design: The Texans have often called long-developing plays that require extra time in the pocket, which becomes problematic against aggressive defenses using creative pass-rush schemes.

  
  

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5. C.J. Stroud's Mental Adjustment Under Pressure

Early and frequent unblocked pressures, especially against the Packers, seemed to affect Stroud's internal clock, causing him to rush his reads. As the game progressed, even when the offensive line held up, he appeared shell-shocked, quickly going through progressions and missing open targets. Given the hits he's taken, it's understandable why Stroud's timing was off in this game.

6. Timing Issues with Play Execution

The Texans often struggle to get to the line of scrimmage quickly enough, limiting their ability to assess the defense and make necessary adjustments. Delays in getting the play called or organizing the huddle can lead to rushed snaps, which further hinders protection.

Potential Solutions

To address these pass protection concerns, the Texans should consider a multi-faceted approach:

1. Change Personnel Along the Offensive Line

• Replace Kenyon Green at Left Guard: Kenyon Green has been the weakest link in pass protection, with communication issues frequently arising between him, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and center Juice Scruggs. Replacing Green with Kendrick Green or Jarrett Patterson might yield better results, as Kenyon's physical play has been subpar since Week 1.

  
  

• Reevaluate the Center Position: Although Juice Scruggs had a strong start to the year, he has struggled recently. The center is responsible for setting the protections, and as a rookie, Scruggs may be contributing to the communication problems. If the Texans believe so, they could try Jarrett Patterson at center and slide Scruggs to left guard, providing a different combination to improve protection.

2. Adjust the Play Calling

• Use More Spread Formations: By spreading out the formation, the offense can force the defense to show its hand and make it harder for defenders to blitz undetected. This change would also create more space for receivers to get open quickly.

  
  

• Incorporate a Quick Passing Game: Switching to a quicker passing attack could help neutralize the pass rush. Shorter, faster routes would allow Stroud to get the ball out quickly, making it more difficult for the defense to get home on blitzes or stunts.

  
  

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3. Improve Communication and Preparation

• Faster Play Execution: The offense needs to get to the line of scrimmage faster, giving Stroud more time to assess the defense, use hard counts, and make audibles. This would also help in setting protection schemes and adjusting to potential blitzes.

  
  

• Use Tempo to Disrupt Defensive Timing: Implementing more up-tempo play after successful plays can catch the defense off guard, potentially preventing them from disguising coverages or making substitutions. This approach would force the defense to react quickly, limiting their ability to set up complex rush packages.

  
  

4. Refine Running Back and Tight End Blocking Assignments

Running backs and tight ends must show more patience in pass protection. Coaches should emphasize that they need to let the rushers come to them rather than aggressively seeking blocks and falling for stunts. Better training in recognizing these tactics can reduce the number of unblocked defenders.

A Reason for Optimism

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Texans have shown they can protect C.J. Stroud effectively at times this season. In games where they’ve managed to limit communication errors and handle defensive tactics, the offensive line has provided solid protection, allowing Stroud to showcase his skills. This demonstrated potential provides hope that, with the right adjustments and improvements, the team can sort out its pass protection issues and achieve more consistent results.

Conclusion

Pass protection is indeed the Texans' biggest concern, but it is also a multi-dimensional problem that requires a variety of solutions. The issues stem from a mix of communication breakdowns, tactical challenges posed by opposing defenses, and sometimes even play-calling. By considering personnel changes, adjusting the offensive scheme, and improving communication, the Texans can better protect C.J. Stroud and set the offense up for more success moving forward.

Addressing these factors collectively could lead to a more cohesive unit and a more resilient offensive performance, particularly in challenging road environments. The glimpses of effective pass protection earlier in the season give reason to believe that the Texans can overcome these setbacks with the right approach.