Tag: houston texans football

Texans announce their nominee for 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The Houston Texans have found their Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree for the 2024 season.

Ask anyone inside the Houston Texans locker room how they feel about Jalen Pitre in one word and you can expect to hear a few crossovers and correlations.

Leader comes to mind.

So does “Captain.”

Hard-working, dedicated, and unrelenting are a few that also fit the mold surrounding the third-year defensive back.

But Man of the Year honoree? That’s a title that must be earned among peers and coaches.

Consider the mission accomplished as of Thursday morning.

Pitre was named the Texans’ nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.  The award recognizes players who excel on and off the field through their involvement in the community.

This is the first time Pitre has been nominated for the award, which comes on the heels of a breakout season with the AFC South franchise. His dedication to the on-field craft has carried over to his work in the Great Houston community.

A Stafford graduate just outside downtown Houston, Ptire is an advocate for Kids’ Meals Inc., a local nonprofit organization that delivers free, healthy meals to children in need to try to end the widespread problem of childhood hunger.

Last season, he teamed up with Kids’ Meals to lead the “Feed 5 More” campaign that continues today. Through $5 incremental, crowd-sourced donations, his goal is to raise funds to feed 55,555 kids.

“Jalen Pitre is a shining example of an exceptional leader on and off the field,” Houston Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “As a hometown player, we’re so proud of the impact he’s had in our community and look forward to his continued commitment to H-Town for many years to come. Jalen is incredibly deserving of this honor and we know how much this means to him.”

Pitre also serves as a sponsor in the Texans’ Community Huddle Ticket Program this season, which gives people who may not otherwise have a chance to attend an NFL game with a unique experience.  Every home game, the Stafford Cobras, the youth football team Pitre played on growing up, are treated to tickets, food vouchers and parking passes at NRG Stadium.

“My parents always taught me that if anyone was in need and we had the means that we should lend a helping hand,” Pitre said. “I’m blessed to be in this position now, and it’s my duty to help and shed light on others who need it. I have a ton of gratitude and appreciation that I was chosen as a nominee for this award. I hope I can continue to inspire and encourage people to help others as much as they can.”

While most people will speak of Pitre’s work off the field, his on-field play has been superb. In 12 games, he’s totaled 44 solo tackles, an interception, two sacks and a career-high eight passes defended.

Last month, Pitre suffered a partial tear to his pectoral muscle against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 24. While he’s not expected to miss the remainder of the season, there’s no timetable on when he’ll return to the lineup.

Fans can vote for Pitre on the NFL’s official website and through social media with the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge.

Each of the league’s 32 nominees will receive up to a $55,000 donation in their name to a charity of their choice courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors show on Feb. 6, and all 32 nominees will be recognized during Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

Texans defend LB Azeez Al-Shaair after ‘dirty hit’ on Jagaurs QB Trevor Lawrence

Multiple Houston Texans players voice their thoughts on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Trevor Lawrence.

In a game that seemed to be droll entering halftime, one play woke up fans across the NFL world just behind halftime.

The Houston Texans secured a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon, but it was a footnote in the scuffle that occurred between the two sidelines because of a hit.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence late as he had given himself up on a slide while trying to pick up the first down. With Lawrence sliding feet first, Al-Shaair dove at him and delivered a blow with his forearm to the head.

While Lawrence appeared to be knocked unconscious, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the ground in retaliation. Multiple other players from either side got involved as the swarm carried over toward Jacksonville’s.

Things got so far out of control that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came across the field to grab Al-Shaair himself to try and calm down the veteran defender. Lawrence, who returned Sunday for the first time since Week 9, was carted off and ruled out with a head injury.

“That’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans told reporters postgame. “We want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, (not) get a penalty there. We just have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down.”

Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were ejected from the game because of their role in the aftermath. Even after the decision was final, Al-Shaair continued jawing with Jaguars players as he headed to the locker room.

Eventually, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and running back Joe Mixon made sure the situation didn’t continue.

“Just an unfortunate play, not representative of who Azeez is,” Ryans said. “Azeez is a smart player, a really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there, his loss, it really affected us on the defensive side.”

To’oTo’o told reporters that Jacksonville players were trying to defend their quarterback, so they had to go to bat for their linebacker. Quarterback C.J. Stroud voiced his support for Al-Shaair and offered condolences to Lawrence for a speedy recovery.

“I’m still rocking with Azeez,” Stroud said. “I don’t think that was his intent. I pray that Trevor is OK and that his family is right there with him.”

Houston won’t know if Al-Shaair will be suspended until after the bye week, but Ryans said the team would address the linebacker personally about the incident and “move forward from it.”

“It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath, that’s not what we’re about, not representative of us.”

Was Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit dirty? Several NFL players weigh in

Michael Strahan, Ryan Clark and several other former players weigh in on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Houston Texans won 23-20 on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that was a footnote in the biggest takeaway from the afternoon at EverBank Stadium.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected just before halftime after delivering what appeared to be a late hit against quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A fight broke out following the play while Lawrence lay sprawled out on the grass knocked out.

Al-Shaair will likely receive a fine and a potential suspension from the league office later this week. Even if he attempted to slow down, the hit seemed to be avoidable before the sixth-year linebacker ever left his feet.

But was the hit dirty? That’s the question everyone is trying to figure out entering the bye week as Houston heads home. Some fans think that because he led with his elbow, it shouldn’t lead to a suspension. Others think that despite being a member of the team, it’s a bad look.

Of course, several other former players voiced their opinions of the play on social media. Most believed the indecent was avoidable and didn’t agree with the decision.

Former Texans cornerback Steven Nelson called the play “crash-out behavior.” Former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III called the play “dirty” from Al-Shaair.

Former NFL quarterback and Baylor Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, called it a dirty play by Al-Shaair.

During the halftime broadcast, former Super Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan called the play “inexcusable” but mentioned his antics likely were to get him thrown out of the game to avoid further problems.

“I personally think he did that because he realized if he had stayed in that game, he was not going to be protected,” Strahan said. “What he did, everybody knows as a defensive player you don’t do that.”

ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl safety Ryan Clark called the hit “bull” and without question avoidable.

While Al-Shaair doesn’t have many on his side, defensive tackle and teammate Tim Settle defended the captain’s actions, stating that he’s not a dirty player and it was a bang-bang play.

“I don’t think his intentions were towards to hurt [Lawrence]. He was just trying to get us off the field. He was trying to get our offense back on the field,” Settle told reporters postgame. “We praise how he plays, but we know he’s not intentional like that.”

The Texans enter the bye week with an 8-5 record. Al-Shaair and the team will return to the field on Dec. 15 to take on the Miami Dolphins.

Instant analysis: Texans score two late touchdown to secure victory over Jaguars

The Houston Texans move to 8-5 on the regular season after securing a win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.

Joe Mixon’s last run was the icing on the cake.

The Houston Texans avoided a scare at EverBank Stadium as they advanced to 8-5 in a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.

Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.

Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.

Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.

Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.

Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.

Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards  and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.

The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Injuries

Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.

What’s next?

The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

Watch: Hell breaks loose between Texans and Jaguars after Trevor Lawerence hit

Azeez Al-Shaair has been ejected from Sunday’s contest after a late hit that knocked out Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawerence.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

It’s a war zone in Duval County entering halftime between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a late hit on a sliding Trevor Lawrence during the closing minutes of the second quarter. Lawrence lay sprawled out and needed immediate medical assistance.

That was only the start of the events. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram attacked Al-Shaair after the play, and the fight broke out near the Jaguars’ sidelines between both sides.

Several minutes after the brawl was eased, Lawrence was carted off and immediately ruled out with a head injury. After further review, Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected for starting the fight.

Here’s a look at the hit below.

After the disqualifications were announced, Al-Shaair, who has been the Texans’ top defensive leader, continued jawing with Jaguars players, including offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.

Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr.,and running back Joe Mixon held their teammate back. Jacksonville fans hurled debris and jeers at Al-Shaair as he finally headed up the tunnel.

Al-Shaair knows better. It was an avoidable hit that should have never been in jeopardy once Lawrence began to slide. Even the most loyal of Texans’ fans can admit the hit deserved an ejection.

Al-Shaair can expect a fine from the league office and perhaps a suspension once Houston returns from its bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.

Former Texans starter back in Houston in practice squad

Andrew Beck is back with the Houston Texans just in time to recreate his 85-yard kickoff return against the Jaguars.

Andrew Beck made special teams history last season when the Houston Texans traveled down to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He now has a chance to do it again.

According to the team’s transaction wire, the Texans recently added Back to the practice squad. The former starting fullback could be elevated for three games from now until Week 16 before Houston would have to add him to the active roster.

Beck, who joined Houston last offseason after starting his career with the Denver Broncos, was expected to make the active 53-man roster before a calf injury limited him throughout most of the preseason. He was released and signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad.

The Packers released him earlier this week, thus letting him join the Texans.

Last season, Beck finished with 11 catches for 55 yards and two touchdown receptions. He also rushed for five yards on three carries and a score.

Beck is perhaps best known for his epic 85-yard kick return for a touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 3. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he hit 20.3 MPH on the play.

The last fullback with a kick return touchdown was Jaguars’ Derrick Wimbush in 2005.

Houston travels back to Duval County this weekend for an AFC South showdown. Was Beck added for perhaps a good luck charm?

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 12?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 12’s home loss against the Titans.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

Despite Kenyon Green’s inconsistencies on the offensive line in pass protection, his play in the run game benefitted Joe Mixon and C.J. Stroud. Now, both guard positions could need adjustments before the start of next season.

Juice Scruggs was a serviceable center, but he’s struggled to regain that confidence at guard. He and Jarrett Patterson likely are competing for the starting position throughout the next six games and potential postseason.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 12 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 22 overall
  • Round 2, No. 53 overall
  • Round 3, No. 87 overall
  • Round 4, No. 123 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 238 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled from noon CT. The game will be locally televised on CBS.

Can the Texans find a replacement for DB Jalen Pitre?

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans as Jalen Pitre is expected to be out “for a while” after leaving Sunday’s game.

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans as the NFL season draws closer to its end.

Texans nickel defender Jalen Pitre suffered a partial tear to his pectoral muscle and is expected to miss “several weeks,” according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson.

“He’ll be out for some time,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Pitre was having a breakout third season before leaving in the second quarter of Houston’s 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. As of this moment, he’s not expected to undergo surgery during the regular season and could return before the end of the campaign.

That doesn’t change the fact that Houston still hasn’t clinched the AFC South division title entering its bye week and needs reinforcements at the nickel position entering December.

One of the blessings of the Texans’ defense was Pitre’s durability in coverage and run support. He had played nearly every defensive snap this season before colliding with linebacker Henry To’oTo’o while trying to tackle Titans receiver Tyler Boyd during the second quarter.

In 12 games, Pitre ranked second on the team in tackles with 75 stops. An effective blitzer, he also recorded six tackles for loss,  eight pass deflections, and an interception.

“He’s such a special kid, he really is,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said earlier this season. “I love being around him every day and then talking to him and seeing how he operates. He is all ball.”

Where do the Texans turn next?

Houston must add another defensive back for depth purposes entering its Week 13 bout with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As for the long-term option, that part remains a question mark.

Right now, it’s expected that the Texans will turn to Jimmie Ward to play in the slot. Ward has experience in the system after playing under Ryans for two seasons in the nickel while the duo were in San Francisco.

#JalenPitre @HoustonTexans

Initially, Ward only wanted to play safety when he became a free agent. So far, Ryans has kept his word and left him on the back end. That changed Sunday when Ward picked off Will Levis for a 67-yard touchdown.

So far, it seems like Ward has a change of heart and plans on doing whatever it takes to help Houston keep its winning ways alive. Right now, the Texans remain 1.5 games ahead of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South and could improve to 4-1 overall in the division with a victory on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

Moving Ward to the nickel corner spot also means Eric Murray and Calen Bullock will get full-time snaps at safety instead of rotating. Bullock has been great in coverage, but questionable with his tackling.

Teams have targeted Murray in recent weeks due to his coverage skills. In Sunday’s loss, the veteran safety missed an open-field tackle on Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo that resulted in a 70-yard touchdown.

This is the play I asked Texans CB Derek Stingley about. Looking at the replay is worse than seeing it in real time. Safety Eric Murray is not going to want to see this during film study on Monday. #Texans #Sarge pic.twitter.com/vcD95gPH0a

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) November 25, 2024

While the Texans could add a veteran off waivers like former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson or former starting nickel Desmond King, they could elevate Myles Bryant to the active roster off the practice squad.

After beating out King for the backup nickel role, Bryant played in four games and saw limited action as Pitre’s backup. He has an understanding of the defense and could be an upgrade if Ward or Murray struggle at the new roles.

Texans 2024 schedule

  • Sept. 8: at Indianpolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: vs. Indianpolis (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Nov. 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Nov. 18 at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Record: 7-5

Texans-Titans Week 12: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As fans flooded to the exits of NRG Stadium, C.J. Stroud tried to save the day.

Instead, he channeled his inner Dan Orvlosky and ran out of the back of the end zone before Harold Landry could officially bring him down for a safety.

Ball game for the Bulls on Parade.

Stroud wasn’t the only issue in the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, but his two interceptions deep in his own territory didn’t help.

The defense allowed Will Levis to connect on three 60-plus passes, including the game-winning 70-yard score to tight end Chig Okonkwo.

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard chip shot that would have tied that at 30 apiece and forced overtime.

The run game was dormant and the second-half offensive woes were evident. Since Week 6, Houston’s defense has outscored its offense 14-7.

The good news? Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South. The bad news? A performance like Sunday would likely lead to a quick three-hour blowout against a competitive wild card squad.

Here’s the snap count from Sunday’s outing.

Offensive snaps: 67
Defensive snaps: 56
Special teams snaps: 21

Tank Dell led all targets in snaps with 47 while Nico Collins played in 44, 12 higher than a week ago against the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-4 Pro Bowl target finished with a team-leading five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon was limited to 14 carries, but he played 77% of snaps among running backs. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale combined for 13 snaps as the No. 2 option.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his fifth straight game with 100% of reps. Jimmie Ward, who picked off Levis for a 67-yard touchdown in the third, split reps at nickel and safety after Jalen Pitre left in the second quarter, finishing 37 plays.

Will Anderson Jr, who missed two games due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 9, played in 32 snaps and recorded two sacks.

The Texans hit the road next week to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC South showdown. They are among the final teams with at bye in Week 14.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud explains struggles following loss to Titans

C.J. Stroud made it clear that his performance on Sunday wasn’t up to par for the Houston Texans as they fell to 7-5.

C.J. Stroud made it clear that even though the defense gave up 32 points to the Tennessee Titans, he didn’t hold up his end of the bargain.

It’s why the Houston Texans are sitting at 7-5 after a 32-27 loss at home.

Stroud, who threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, also tossed two interceptions. He completed just over 60% of his passes and tossed a pair of interceptions, including one to Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray on a scoring drive in the third quarter. He sacked for a safety with 1:17 remaining and nearly ran out of the back of the end zone.

Dan Orlovsky would have been proud. Texans fans are frustrated and Stroud can understand why.

“It’s no secret I haven’t been playing well for my standard,” Stroud said following a second consecutive home loss.  “Everybody has to look in the mirror and try to get things fixed. So that’s gotta be the plan for this week. Practicing. Getting better. Personally, I got to get better. As a team, we have to get better.”

Week 12 epitomized the Texans’ season up to this point as Houston enters its final game before the bye. An 80-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce set up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to rookie tight end and former Ohio State teammate Cade Stover.

Down by 10, Houston responded with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins, then a 56-yard gain to the Pro Bowl receiver to set up a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal.

Then, much like the second half of the season, everything went wrong.
Stroud and John Metchie III weren’t on the same page with just over a minute remaining in the first half, leading to an interception and Nick Folk’s field goal. The offense never reached the end zone and settled for two more attempts for Fairbairn while trusting the defense to deliver.

But the final blow came on the Texans’ second-to-last drive. Stroud connected with Collins for a 33-yard touchdown that would have given them a four-point lead, but the play was nullified by an illegal motion penalty on Joe Mixon and Tank Dell.

Stroud said it was on him not having his teammates prepared for the snap.

“I got to give the play better and make sure guys are on the same page, and even when we break the huddle, still communicate a little bit and make sure everybody’s doing what they’re doing,” Stroud said. “But it was my fault.”
Stroud will take ownership of the offensive woes, but it’s not all on him.

Houston’s offensive line gave him a clean pocket in the first half and allowed four sacks in the second. That factored into a passing yards and completion percentage between the first and final 30 minutes.

Houston also couldn’t run the football to save face. Mixon, fresh off a three-touchdown outing against the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football,” averaged 1.6 yards per attempt on 14 carries.

“They’re a really good front. Really good front,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We knew that going into the game. But it doesn’t matter. Every front is good. You have to own the line of scrimmage.”

Houston has seven days to recoup before it travels to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. It can’t afford a loss, but it also can’t waste a strong defensive performance.

The Texans tied their franchise record for sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (15) in a game. Safety Jimmie Ward intercepted Titans second-year quarterback Will Levis and returned it for a 67-yard touchdown. Kris Boyd recovered a muffed punt to set up Houston inside Tennessee’s 40.

Outings like that won’t always be promised, so Stroud’s already getting prepped for film study on Monday and an aggressive week of practice.

“Everybody has to look at themselves in the mirror and try to get things fixed,” Stroud said. “That will be the plan this week. Practicing and getting better.”