Texans Wednesday Recap: More Nico Collins, Stroud’s Growth and the Plan for Cleveland
C.J. Stroud wants more opportunities for Nico Collins
C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and DeMeco Ryans met with reporters Wednesday as the Texans prepared for Cleveland. Their message after the win over the Chargers: carry the progress forward while addressing what still needs work.
Stroud credited Collins for making a difficult catch against Los Angeles, saying the receiver rescued a throw he did not consider particularly good. He also made clear that Houston needs to create more opportunities for its top receiver.
“We got to find ways to get Nico the ball some more,” Stroud said.
He described the solution as a combination of better execution from him and moving Collins around. Stroud acknowledged missing him on some plays. With defenses doubling Collins and paying attention to Dalton Schultz, other receivers have been winning their individual matchups.
Stroud also praised Xavier Hutchinson’s consistency, toughness and practice habits, calling him the offense’s backbone. He said he felt much better after being ill, even though his voice remained hoarse.
Will Anderson Jr.: Rush together and keep improving against the run
Anderson said containing Deshaun Watson requires all four rushers to work together. Watson’s ability to step up, escape and re-enter the pocket makes disciplined rush lanes important.
After Houston’s eight-sack performance against the Chargers, Anderson emphasized preparation rather than predicting another sack total. He pointed to improved tackling and pursuit, while saying the defensive line still needs to be firmer inside and on the edges against the run.
Anderson explained how Jadeveon Clowney expands Houston’s options. Clowney’s presence lets Anderson move inside in certain packages, putting more pass-rush threats on the field and complicating protection decisions.
Asked about the defense’s earlier struggles, Anderson pointed to communication errors and players failing to execute assignments. “We were in our own way,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for former teammate Titus Howard and excitement about competing against him. Anderson’s praise for Stroud’s preparation and Tank Dell’s comeback reinforced how much the defense draws energy from the offense.
DeMeco Ryans sees Stroud taking more ownership
Ryans highlighted Stroud’s communication with Nick Caley and his teammates, including his willingness to repeat practice plays when the execution is not right. He connected that confidence to a second season in the offensive system.
Ryans pushed back on any suggestion that Stroud had previously lacked commitment: “He’s always had the buy in.”
He praised Dell’s perseverance and the energy he has brought back to the field. Ryans also described his commitment to supporting players through injuries.
For Cleveland, Ryans stressed Watson’s quick decisions, mobility and late-game playmaking. He singled out tight end Harold Fannin Jr.’s athleticism and ability to gain yards after the catch. Offensively, Ryans said Houston would use whichever mix of running and passing moved the ball, adjusting to the conditions.
In Wednesday’s availability, Ryans said Reed Blankenship was back at practice and the practice windows had opened for Jake Hummel and Jaylin Smith. David Montgomery remained in the recovery process, while Keylan Rutledge was dealing with a stinger. Those were practice updates, not final game designations.
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