The Houston Texans are carrying the baggage of an eight-game losing streak into their Week 10 bye.
The club is 1-8 on the season and every game seems to be a predetermined outcome as the Texans can’t find a way to win games.
Receiver Brandin Cooks, who has been a part of successful teams throughout his career, hopes that his teammates are able to get away from the mental toll that pro football brings while also taking care of their bodies during the bye week.
“One of the biggest things I tell guys is the mental aspect of this game is heavy,” said Cooks. “To be able to get a bye week, reset mentally, don’t get too far away from it. Make sure you’re still taking care of your body, trying to run, work out here and there, because at the end of the day, when we come back, there’s a lot of football left.”
The Texans still have eight games to go and start off the final stretch with a Week 10 showdown with the Tennessee Titans Nov. 21 at Nissan Stadium. Houston is 1-1 in the AFC South.
Cooks is also hoping the Texans evaluate themselves collectively and individually to find ways to be better.
Said Cooks: “At the same time, look at ourselves in the mirror individually, and just see, ‘Okay, how can I get better and help this team? Where am I lacking at? What do they need me to be better at?’ Just all come back with that mentality to keep on pushing, keep on fighting no matter what the record is. This is our job, and that’s what we’re here to do.”
On the season, Cooks has provided Houston with 57 catches for 641 yards and two touchdowns through all nine of his starts. Cooks’ receptions are tied with Keenan Allen for the fourth-most in the NFL.