Texans' O-Line Showing Promise After Tough Practice with Lions - Are They Ready for Week 1?
The Houston Texans' offensive line has been a point of concern for many heading into the 2023 season. But after a grueling joint practice session with the Detroit Lions, there's a glimmer of hope that the unit is finally trending in the right direction. While challenges remain, the intensity and focus displayed during the practice suggest a potential turning point for this crucial part of the Texans’ team.
The joint practice, held earlier this week, was no picnic. The Lions' defensive front, known for its aggressive play and depth, provided a serious test for the Texans' O-line. It wasn't a flawless performance by any means – there were moments of struggle, penalties, and missed assignments. However, what stood out was the Texans’ resilience and willingness to learn from their mistakes. Coaches and players alike emphasized the importance of this experience, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to identify weaknesses and refine their techniques before the regular season kicks off.
“This was exactly what we needed,” said Texans offensive line coach, David Newman. “Going up against a defense like Detroit’s, with their talent and speed, forces you to be at your best. It exposes areas where we need to improve, and it allows us to work on those areas in a high-pressure environment. We saw some good things out there, some things we can build on, and some things we absolutely need to correct.”
One key area of focus during the practice was pass protection. Protecting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been paramount, and the O-line’s ability to keep him upright will be critical to the Texans’ success. The Lions’ pass rushers consistently pressured Stroud, forcing him to make quick decisions and demonstrating the need for better communication and coordination among the linemen. The Texans worked on their pre-snap reads, identifying blitz packages, and adjusting their blocking schemes accordingly.
Run blocking was another area that received significant attention. Establishing a consistent running game will take pressure off Stroud and provide a more balanced offensive attack. The Texans' running backs, led by Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce, faced a tough test against the Lions' stout defensive front. While the running game wasn't dominant, there were flashes of potential, and the O-line seemed to be working on improving their technique and creating running lanes.
Beyond the technical aspects of blocking, the joint practice also provided an opportunity to build camaraderie and chemistry within the offensive line. The linemen spent extra time after practice reviewing film together, discussing adjustments, and encouraging each other. This collaborative spirit is essential for a unit that relies on seamless communication and trust.
While it's too early to declare the Texans' offensive line a finished product, the joint practice with the Lions offered a valuable glimpse of progress. The unit faced a formidable challenge and responded with effort and a willingness to learn. If they can continue to build on this momentum, the Texans' O-line could be a much-improved unit by the time Week 1 rolls around. The question now is: can they translate this progress into consistent performance on game day?
The Texans will continue to work on their offensive line throughout the remainder of training camp and the preseason. Keep an eye on this unit – their performance will be a key factor in determining the Texans’ overall success in the 2023 season.