The biggest question facing the Houston Texans as they look ahead to 2025 isn’t about free agency or even the upcoming NFL draft. Sure, the No. 25 overall pick is a valuable asset that could solidify the team’s foundation, but that's not where the main focus lies. And while many wonder if C.J. Stroud can recapture the magic of his Offensive Rookie of the Year season, that’s not the pressing issue either.
No, the real spotlight is on offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and his future with the Texans. Will he still be at NRG Stadium when Week 1 rolls around in 2025? Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed this head-on in his final press conference, stating that all coaching decisions would be finalized next week. This gives Slowik a narrow window to make his case for a third season in Houston.
The Offensive Struggles: A Tale of Two Seasons
Offensive changes have felt inevitable since Week 7, a turning point that saw Houston fail to score in the second half of games for an entire month. The offensive line, coached by Chris Strausser, was a major factor in these struggles. Stroud was sacked 54 times in 2024—the second-most among quarterbacks—and Strausser is widely expected not to return.
However, Slowik’s situation is more nuanced. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, he played a key role in helping Stroud emerge as one of the NFL’s rising stars during his rookie campaign. The question now is whether 2024’s downturn was an anomaly or a sign of things to come.
Injury Woes and Offensive Challenges
Not all of Houston’s offensive issues can be attributed to coaching. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs’ season-ending injury in Week 8 was a massive blow. Fellow Pro Bowler Nico Collins missed five games due to a hamstring injury, and running back Joe Mixon was sidelined for three. These setbacks forced Houston to constantly shuffle its lineup, with six different offensive line combinations seeing action during the season.
This instability trickled down to Stroud, who experienced a sophomore slump after his stellar rookie year. Although he finished the season with 23 touchdown passes against just five interceptions, his turnover rate crept up, and his touchdown total decreased. Predictable play-calling and a lack of creativity on early downs further hampered the offense, leaving it ranked 22nd in total offense (319.7 yards per game) and 19th in points per game.
Bright Spots Amid the Challenges
Despite the struggles, there were moments of promise. Stroud found a rhythm during the postseason, showcasing his ability to spark the offense against the league’s top-scoring defense in the wild-card round. Houston racked up 429 yards and 25 points in that game, offering a glimpse of what could be possible with a more cohesive unit.
Ryans acknowledged the need for improvement across the board: “Overall offensively, we have to improve. It wasn’t where we wanted it to be. There were challenges throughout the year. We have to improve.”
Free Agency and Draft Plans
Looking ahead, the Texans are expected to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to rebuild their offensive line. Collins and Mixon are locked into long-term deals, providing some stability. Tight end Dalton Schultz had a down year but is projected to return as the starter. However, more weapons are needed to elevate the receiving corps into a top-10 unit—injuries or not.
Stroud’s development will also be critical. Improving his pocket awareness and utilizing his legs more effectively could take the offense to another level. His postseason performance hinted at this potential, and it’s something the coaching staff will need to build upon, especially if Slowik remains at the helm.
The Case for Bobby Slowik
While Slowik’s play design regressed in 2024 after a top-12 finish in passing and scoring the previous year, there were signs of growth. “I think overall with Bobby, I saw some growth, saw some improvement throughout the year,” Ryans said on Monday.
If Slowik believes he can recapture the offensive spark from 2023, perhaps tweaking the supporting cast around Stroud is the answer. Stroud himself expressed confidence in his coordinator, saying, “I definitely think he has a lot of success coming his way, and I’ve been honored to have it with him. Hopefully, we can keep it going. I’m definitely on Bobby’s side and appreciative of all the things he has taught me and how great he has been in my career so far.”
What Needs to Change
For Slowik to return, he must address several key areas:
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Creativity on Early Downs: The offense needs more unpredictability to keep defenses guessing.
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Identity in the Second Half: Establishing a clear game plan after halftime is crucial.
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Maximizing Talent: With injuries a constant threat, adapting the system to fit available players is essential.
If these changes are made, and Stroud continues to grow, the Texans could be a force to reckon with in 2025.
A Pivotal Offseason Ahead
As Houston gears up for a critical offseason, the decisions surrounding Bobby Slowik’s future and the roster’s construction will shape the team’s trajectory. Will Slowik get another chance to prove that 2024 was just a bump in the road? Can Stroud take the next step and solidify his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks?
The answers to these questions will determine whether the Texans can capitalize on their potential and make 2025 a year to remember. For now, all eyes are on the decisions being made behind closed doors at NRG Stadium. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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