Tag: Texans

WATCH: Texans WR Nico Collins makes presence felt at Pro Bowl

Houston Texans star Nico Collins made more Nico Collins-type plays at the Pro Bowl on Sunday afternoon.

Nico Collins making spectacular grabs isn’t something new for Houston Texans fans to notice.

As for the rest of the NFL? They got to check him out on the main stage in Orlando, Fla, Sunday afternoon at the Pro Bowl Games.

During the first quarter, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow underthrew a pass, but it was an easy catch for Collins to move the chains and help pick up a first down.

Here’s a look at the clip below:

The AFC would eventually punch it into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to Bengals teammate Ja’Marr Chase.

Collins, who inked a three-year extension worth $72.5 million this offseason, was on pace to lead the NFL in every receiving category before a hamstring injury sidelined him for five weeks.

The Pro Bowler still lived up to the billing in 12 regular-season games, hauling in 68 passes for 1,006 yards and seven TDs. His 14 exlposive catches also ranked top 10 among all AFC receivers.

The Texans own the No. 25 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Replay assists could be used for more calls in 2025

Hits on running quarterbacks have been controversial this playoffs. Replay assist may be coming to save the day in 2025

A big controversy during the season, and the playoffs specifically, has been hits to the quarterback when running. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the benefactor of a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty that could lead to a rule change this offseason.

The quarterback is going to be protected by the NFL, and we all know that. The increase of mobile quarterbacks has extended that protection outside of the pocket. While there’s nothing wrong with protecting players, quarterbacks tend to receive a level of protection that is compromising to defenders.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the NFL is considering adding plays involving quarterback slides to the list of plays replay assist can be used with. There are multiple close calls that include late slides and questionable contact points.

Referees are seemingly inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to the quarterback in these situations. Adding replay assist takes any doubt out of it. The Texans versus Chiefs game showed how impactful these calls can be.

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Texans interview Syracuse’s Jeff Nixon for offensive coordinator opening

The first name from the outside has interviewed for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator opening.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans offensive coordinator search is officially underway with another name emerging as a candidate for the position.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon interviewed for the open position after a breakout season with the Orange.

Last season under first-year coach Fran Brown, Nixon’s offense took the ACC by storm. With Kyle McCord as the starting quarterback, the Orange had the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, averaging 370 yards per game.

McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, broke former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s single-season ACC passing record at Clemson set in 2016 with 4,779 yards. The senior also ranked top five in passing touchdowns (37) and top 10 in completion percentage (66.0) and passer rating (148.8).

Running back LeQuint Allen also led all FBS running backs in receptions (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards. He totaled 16 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per run.

The Orange ranked eighth in third-down conversions (49%), ninth in red zone touchdowns (43) and 21st in scoring (34.1 points per game). Behind his play-calling, the Orange totaled their first 10-win season in six years.

Nixon is the second candidate linked to the opening. Current Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson also has interviewed for the job.

Nixon previously New York Giants in 2023, helping Saquon Barkley rush for 962 yards and six TDs. Throughout his career, the veteran running backs coach has also worked with Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Reggie Bush and Christian McCaffery.

Over his two decades coaching, Nixon spent ample time in the NFL, coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles (2007-10), Miami Dolphins (2011-15), San Francisco 49ers (2016), Carolina Panthers (2020-22) and New York Giants (2023).

Nixon was previously the offensive coordinator at Baylor from 2017-19 under Matt Rhule before joining his staff in Carolina, eventually taking over as the interim offensive coordinator in 2021 following the firing of Joe Brady.

The Texans fired Bobby Slowik last week after two AFC South division titles. One key element Houston is looking for in its next play-caller is a relationship with former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

Potential Texans WR draft target declare for 2025 NFL Draft

Emeka Egbuka is officially headed to the 2025 NFL Draft and potentially the Houston Texans this April.

C.J. Stroud’s former top target is leaving Columbus.

Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka officially bid farewell to the Buckeyes as his sights turned to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Entering his name into the draft was a formality for Egbuka, who exhausted his NCAA eligibility after four years with Ohio State. The post was more so a thank you to the fans for sticking by his side for four seasons while establishing himself as one of the top playmakers in program history.

Egbuka closed out his college career with a bang, totaling six catches for 64 yards and one carry for 13 yards in Monday’s 34-23 national championship win over Notre Dame.

For the season, the senior collected 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. He leaves Ohio State as the all-time leader in receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868) while notching 24 career touchdowns.

During his sophomore season. Egbuka served as one of the top weapons for Stroud en route to a College Football Playoff berth. With the Texans’ second-year passer, Egbuka caught 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 15.4 yards per catch.

The Houston Texans have been linked to Egbuka in the second round of mock drafts. With the need for a long-term No. 2 option, Houston could reunite the duo, along with fellow Buckeye Cade Stover ahead of the 2025 season.

One NFL scout compared Egbuka’s play style to former Ohio State star and current Seattle Seahawk Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“Quick passing attacks will appreciate how he marries the timing of his routes to the quarterback drop,” the scout said. “He is going to be where his quarterback needs him to be. Projects as a consistent slot playmaker at the next level.”

The Texans own six picks in April’s draft.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses a veteran lineman’s importance on defense: ‘Vital part of us’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones discusses Charles Omenihu’s importance on defense: ‘Vital part of us’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense impacted the divisional round victory over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday with eight sacks. During his press conference on Thursday, one of the sacks came from All-Pro Chris Jones, who pointed out the essential play of his veteran teammate Charles Omenihu.

“Charles has been a vital part of us, especially in the pass rush; I think that’s what we brought him here for. He’s been able to broadcast that on a later stage, getting his groove,” said Jones. “He missed a lot of games this year due to injury, and last year he ended up missing four-six games. So, being able to have Charles at his peak during this time of the year is vital for us. I think we can stride off that and play really good football in the postseason.”

In the second quarter of the divisional round win, Omenihu sacked C.J. Stroud for a three-yard loss and forced a fumble that the Texans recovered. The play marked Omenihu’s first sack this postseason, bringing his postseason career total to 5.5 sacks. He finished the game with four tackles (three solo), including one tackle for loss, one sack, a forced fumble, and one quarterback pressure.

Dolphins reportedly interview Cowboys assistant for WR coach job

The Dolphins are on the hunt for a new receivers coach after firing Wes Welker earlier this month.

The Miami Dolphins interviewed Robert Prince for their vacant wide receivers coach position, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.

Prince, 59, is a veteran receivers coach in the NFL, who spent the last three seasons on the Dallas Cowboys’ staff. He previously held the same position with the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks in an NFL coaching career that began more than two decades ago.

The Dolphins are on the hunt for a new wide receivers coach after Wes Welker was dismissed from the role earlier this month. While Miami got prolific numbers out of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Welker’s three seasons with the Dolphins, the team struggled to get much production out of the rest of the team’s wide receiving corps.

Dallas has been led at the position by CeeDee Lamb, who has led the team in receiving in four straight seasons. In recent years, the team has seen Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin slowly develop into productive receivers in the offense.

Earlier this month, the Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy.

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Chiefs S Justin Reid appreciates consistent battles vs. Bills: ‘It feels like a divisional game’

Kansas City #Chiefs safety Justin Reid appreciates consistent battles vs. the Buffalo #Bills: ‘It feels like a divisional game’ | @EdEastonJr

The routine meetings between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, regardless if it’s the regular season or playoffs, have consistently lived up to the hype. Veteran safety Justin Reid shared his thoughts on the rivalry during a conversation with reporters on Wednesday.

“It feels like a divisional game. I mean, we know them really well, and they know us really well,” said Reid. In the offseason, both of us are preparing for each other because we know we’re going to come against each other, probably twice, like it feels like every year.”

Reid finished last Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans with seven tackles, a pass deflection, and pass rush moments against C.J. Stroud. He understands the challenge with Buffalo will be much different on Sunday with MVP candidate Josh Allen.

“It’s one of the best matchups to play because they’re such a talented football team, they have so much firepower, (offensive coordinator) Joe Brady’s done an awesome job with Josh Allen and that offense, gotten them fired up, and their defense is playing amazing, too,” said Reid. “Always a tough challenge, but one that we’re excited for, week-in and week-out, and it’ll be another storybook show for all the viewers watching on TV.”

The AFC Championship game will close out the championship Sunday as the NFC will start the day and have one-half of the Super Bowl already set.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reacts to allegations of favorable treatment from referees

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts to allegations of favorable treatment from referees | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the ongoing accusations of the team receiving favorable treatment from referees during Wednesday’s press conference.

“I would say the only one I felt like I probably did too much was the one on the sideline where I didn’t get the flag,” said Mahomes, referring to the divisional round win over Houston. “The refs saw it, and it didn’t get a flag. I understood it immediately and know that I probably shouldn’t have done that.”

Mahomes was also the beneficiary of a roughing the passer call that seemed questionable last Saturday. The penalty kept a Chiefs scoring drive alive as they would go on to win 23-14.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens during the game, something is going to come out about it if you win; if you continue to win, I don’t really pay attention to it. Obviously, I’ve been on both sides of it as far as how I’ve felt that calls were made.” Said Mahomes. “At the end of the day, those guys (referees) are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game, and that’s what decides the outcome.”

Mahomes and the Chiefs have consistently heard the chatter on social media and comments from other teams assuming there was a bias in favor of Kansas City.

“Obviously, there was a call here and there that people didn’t agree with,” said Mahomes. “but at the same time I think there were a lot of other plays that decided the outcome of that football game.”

The referees will likely be in focus on Sunday for the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills.

Chiefs vs. Texans was ESPN’s most-watched NFL game in network history

Kansas City #Chiefs vs. Houston #Texans was ESPN’s most-watched NFL game in network history | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make history in many different ways. The latest moment was when the Houston Texans set a new league viewership record on ESPN over the weekend.

According to an ESPN announcement on Monday, the Chiefs vs. Texans AFC Divisional Round matchup was the most-watched NFL game ever. According to Nielsen Fast Nationals reports, it amassed 32.7 million viewers. This stat includes playoff and regular season games dating back to 1987, breaking new ground for the long-running network.

The record-breaking audience witnessed Patrick Mahomes making another unbelievable viral play, falling to toss a touchdown pass. The Chiefs defense tallied eight sacks on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to help clinch the game 23-14.

ESPN’s audience reportedly peaked at 38.5 million viewers (7-7:15 p.m.) on Saturday, Jan. 18, the highest peak audience of any network. The audience bested all 25 Disney NFL Playoff games in the previous 29 years, including 14 exclusively on ABC (1996-2005), 10 available on ABC and ESPN (2016-24), and one solely on ESPN (2015). The game also surpassed every regular season game exclusively on ABC since 1996.

The historic audience saw the Chiefs extend their streak of seven AFC Championship game appearances. At the same time, tight end Travis Kelce reached several milestones, leading the team in receiving on the day.

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson finished the Divisional game ‘feeling good’ after returning from injury

Kansas City #Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson finished the Divisional game ‘feeling good’ after returning from injury | @EdEastonJr

The return of cornerback Jaylen Watson on Saturday for the Kansas City Chiefs impacted the team’s victory over the Houston Texans. Although he was on a noticeable snap count, he played a factor in the win, contributing to the dominant plays on defense.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters for a Zoom press conference on Monday. After last Saturday’s game, he provided his thoughts on Watson’s health status.

“He came out feeling good, I mean, it was, that’s one of the positives that you come out with Jaylen (Watson), he was fresh from the injury,” said Reid. “you hope that he can not have the swelling that was taking place before and still function at a relatively high speed during the game. I thought he did that. I thought he sustained when given that opportunity.”

He finished the game with one tackle but played 40 defensive snaps without significant pain or a setback. Watson played his first game since Week 7 after suffering a broken fibula and landing on injured reserve for most of the season.