The mantras for the Houston Texans, such as “SWARM” and “Iron Sharpens Iron” have been memorized, put on merchandise, and repeated over and over again by coaches and players during interviews.
It is to the point that even the fans use the phrases when talking about the team, and now they must practice saying a new one over the next few weeks, “Next Man Up!”
That mantra has been used over the last three weeks with the abundant number of injuries the Texans have suffered from training camp until now. On Sunday, the players on Houston’s sideline must have all had t-shirts made with the saying as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars for their first win of the season.
One position group that deserves the most praise came into the game with many unanswered questions as they have been scrutinized the first two weeks of the season. The Texans’ offensive line kept rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud off the grass against the Jags as they did not allow a sack, which is something they had not done this season coming into the game, having given up a league-high 11. They only allowed Jacksonville’s defense to pressure Stroud 12 times (38.7%) while in the pocket, which led to him completing 12 of his 18 passes with over 2.5 seconds to throw the ball.
Without starting right tackle Tytus Howard, left guard Kenyon Green, and centers Scott Quessenberry and Juice Scruggs, Houston suffered another significant blow as Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was ruled out on Saturday for the second consecutive week.
“I think our offensive line played really well, keeping the quarterback clean, not giving up any sacks,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans after the game. “They played well as a unit, and that’s what it takes in protection. It takes all five guys playing together, tight ends, backs helping in protection, and the quarterback getting the ball out on time and where it needs to go. So, it’s all 11 guys playing well, but it’s really credit to [offensive line] coach [Chris] Strausser and the O-line for what they did today.”
It is no secret that there was tremendous skepticism when it came to a group that featured players, many of whom were believed to be cast off of their former teams. Starting left guard Kendric Green was ostracized by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the preseason, and left tackle Josh Jones had found his way into the doghouse with the Arizona Cardinals. Yet, the two gave Stroud all the time he needed against Jacksonville by protecting his blindside.
“George Fant, Shaq Mason, Kendrick Green, Josh Jones. J.P., me and him are rookies, and we’re figuring it out,” Stroud said after the game about the continuity he is building with his offensive line.
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