Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans

The Houston Texans might’ve dropped a frustrating one, but not all hope is lost. In fact—there are clear signs of growth and fixable issues that could change everything moving forward.

👀 We dive into:

Demeco Ryans admitting he’s involved in all aspects of the team… is he facing his own adjustment curve as HC?

The shocking drop in Pre-Snap Motion % (2025: 6.3% vs. 2024: 18.1%) and why this MUST go up for CJ Stroud and the WRs.

How motion helps Stroud identify the Who, What, When, Where & How of every play.

Early down...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman discuss if it’s time to worry about the Houston Texans after their 0-2 start on the Locked On Texans Squad Show. 
 

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The Houston Texans offense looked flat and struggled to get anything going… but now it’s do or die heading into a HUGE AFC South showdown vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Can Houston protect CJ Stroud against a dominant edge duo and find the winning formula to avoid going 0-3? In this Locked On Texans x Locked On Jaguars crossover edition, we break down: The biggest matchups of the week How Houston’s offense can attack the Jags’ Cover 3 defense The biggest storylines heading into Sunday What it will take for Stroud & Co. to bounce back after such a bad offensiv...

The Houston Texans fall at home AGAIN, dropping to 0-2 after a gut-wrenching loss to Tampa Bay. For some, it’s time to hit the panic button 🚨. The offense looked uninspiring, lost, and borderline unwatchable for most of the game — leaving fans frustrated and searching for answers.

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down:

Shared blame across the team: missed tackles, red zone failures, and questionable play calling

CJ Stroud’s struggles and consistently missed reads

How the defense gave up 165 rushing yards, a 5.6 YPC average, and 19 missed tackles —...

Michael Connor, former Texans lineman Wade Smith, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet bring you LIVE postgame reaction to the Houston Texans Monday night matchup against the Tampa Buccaneers on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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It’s Game Day, Texans fans! 🏈 On this episode of Locked On Texans, we dive into how Houston can come out victorious on Monday Night Football.

The Buccaneers leaned heavily on Cover 3 (29 snaps) and Cover 1 in Week 1—so how can C.J. Stroud, Nick Chubb, and this Texans offense attack those looks? We break down:

✅ Texans’ success vs Cover 3 & Cover 1 (82 rushing yards combined)
✅ Why riding Nick Chubb could be KEY to the game plan
✅ The return of Ed Ingram & reshuffling the O-Line with Howard and Ersery
✅ How Sirvocea Dennis is becoming Tampa Bay’s biggest lia...

The Houston Texans head into Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with one major mission: get the offense back on track. Head Coach Demeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud are on the same page, but the alarming numbers from Week 1 can’t be ignored.

🚨 Average 3rd Down Distance: 10.7 yards
🚨 Motion Usage: 26th in NFL (35.3%)
🚨 Play Action Usage: 30th in NFL (11.1%)

When Houston did use motion and play action? CJ was nearly flawless. So why is the offense drifting away from what works, and can offensive coordinator Nick Caley give Stroud the tools he ne...

The Locked On Texans and Locked On Bucs crossover is HERE — and the stakes couldn’t be higher! 👊

Houston NEEDS a win on Monday Night Football at NRG Stadium… but can they bounce back against Todd Bowles’ aggressive Bucs defense?

We break it all down:
🔹 How Nick Caley can prepare for Todd Bowles’ blitz-heavy scheme
🔹 Slot matchup nightmares & why Houston MUST contain Emeka Egbuka
🔹 The RBs in the passing game — the secret weapon vs. Bowles’ pressure
🔹 Danielle Hunter & Will Anderson Jr. leading the charge against Baker Mayfield
🔹 What it’ll take for the Texans’ front to DOMI...

The Houston Texans have ONE job: get back on track. But what does that process actually look like—and will it be enough to get back in the win column?

On today’s Locked On Texans Podcast, we break it all down:
🔥 Why ownership + accountability matter most right now
🔥 The importance of rolling with the same lineup from training camp—health + trust back on the field
🔥 How Houston MUST protect itself from compromising situations
🔥 Preparing for Todd Bowles’ Bucs defense—and why a poor week of practice is NOT an option
🔥 Getting Nico Collins the ball + c...

Michael Connor, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet flush out the rest of week one and look ahead to week two for the Houston Texans on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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C.J. Stroud says the Texans’ loss was a wake-up call — but are the numbers painting a much darker picture? Houston went just 2-for-9 on 3rd downs, with distances like 22, 16, 19, and 11 yards. That’s not Stroud’s fault — that’s a system problem.

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down:
🔥 Why Stroud’s being judged unfairly in impossible situations
🔥 Nick Caley’s first game as OC — motion & play-action numbers eerily similar to Bobby Slowik’s offense (and that’s NOT good)
🔥 Why Houston faced 1st-and-15+ FIVE times & 2nd-and-long NINE times
🔥 The real story behind Houston’s 1...

The Houston Texans opened the 2025 season looking a lot like they ended 2024 — an offense that failed to give their defense the help it needed. Nick Caley’s debut as OC was far from impressive, as penalties, poor first-down success, and predictable play-calling left C.J. Stroud in constant 2nd and long situations.

Nico Collins was a non-factor. The red zone offense failed on their lone trip. Stroud was sacked 3 times — 2 on him — but his overall day still showed promise. On the flip side, Aireontae Ersery looked like a long-term answer on the offensive line, while Henry To’oTo’o may...

Join Michael Connor, former Texans lineman Wade Smith, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet for live reaction to the Houston Texans season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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In this special edition of Locked On Texans, we dive deep into Houston’s path to victory against Sean McVay and the LA Rams.

📌 Key Topics:

Why slot coverage could make or break the Texans’ defense.

Jalen Pitre’s struggles in the slot — can he turn it around?

How McVay uses his top playmakers in the slot to dictate defenses.

The Rams’ Achilles heel: a porous run defense that gave up massive yardage in 2024.

Is pounding the rock Houston’s best chance to win? And what does Jakob Johnson’s...

Faith… or fear? That’s the big question for the Houston Texans this Sunday as they take on the LA Rams. With Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios both listed as doubtful, can CJ Stroud rise to the occasion in his first test of the season?

We break down everything:

What plays in Houston’s favor and why history shows rookies have stepped up since Demeco Ryans arrived.

The skepticism surrounding the Texans’ offense without key weapons.

Is there finally a moment of clarity pointing toward an AFC Championship run?

Joining...

Week 1 is HERE! The Houston Texans head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams, and we’ve got you covered with the Crossover Thursday edition of the Locked On Texans Podcast, featuring Locked On Rams.

We’re breaking down the biggest storylines, key matchups, and bold predictions:

Can the Texans’ defense pressure Matthew Stafford into sacks and turnovers?

Will the revamped offensive line keep C.J. Stroud upright against Jared Verse & Co.?

Should Derek Stingley Jr. shadow Davante Adams?

Will Nick Caley out-scheme his former coaching mate Chris...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman get you ready for the Houston Texans season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans’ offense is buzzing with optimism again — and Bleacher Report’s James Roy joins the show to break it all down! 🔥

In today’s episode of Locked On Texans:
✅ How Nick Caley is sparking new life in C.J. Stroud & the Texans offense
✅ What success looks like for rookie Blake Fisher Ersery — and why his growth could transform the Texans’ running back room without Joe Mixon
✅ Why fans should be excited to see Christian Harris back on the field
✅ Can Houston’s defense climb into the NFL’s Top 5 this season?
✅ Plus: the most under...

The Houston Texans are gearing up for the Rams on Sunday… but there’s a BIG question: without Joe Mixon, how do they get the run game going? 👀

On this episode of Locked On Texans, we’re joined by Cole Thompson to break down:

The dream vs nightmare scenarios for Houston this week

Why the run game is the biggest key without Mixon

The underrated storylines no one is talking about

And… why Cole Thompson might just tick off Texans fans 😅

Are Houston fans supposed to be nervous… or ca...

The 2025 NFL season is HERE and the Houston Texans have a tough task opening Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. But don’t count Houston out just yet!

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down why the Texans actually hold the biggest advantage heading into this matchup:

Houston’s Defense vs. Stafford Under Pressure — Matthew Stafford posted a shocking 33.3 PFF grade under pressure in 2024, with 14 turnover-worthy plays, the most in the NFL. Can DeMeco Ryans’ defense expose that again?

Texans’ Offensive Key — Why Houston must test the Rams’ second and third levels o...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman get you ready for the Houston Texans 2025 season and discuss how the team can learn from the mistakes of others.

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The Houston Texans are on the rise — and I’ve got some HOT TAKES that Texans fans are going to love heading into the 2025 season! 🔥

In today’s episode of Locked On Texans:

CJ Stroud will be sacked fewer than 41 times — better than the 2024 league average.

Rookie tackle Ersery will have a Rashawn Slater-type season and earn a Pro Bowl nod.

Dalton Schultz bounces back in a big way, hovering around 700–800 yards.

Will Anderson Jr. makes a strong case as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

Plus, ESPN ra...

AFC South shakeup looms as 2025 NFL season approaches. Will the [Houston Texans] maintain their grip on the division crown?

Hosts dissect each team's offseason moves, debating the [Texans]' offensive line concerns and [Jacksonville Jaguars]' potential to dethrone them. C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence take center stage as the division's top quarterbacks. The conversation heats up over NFL Top 100 rankings, with Derek Stingley Jr. and Travis Hunter sparking fierce debate. [Tennessee Titans] and [Indianapolis Colts] vie for most improved team status, while final standings predictions reveal surprising twists.

Tune in for expert analysis...

The Houston Texans have finalized their practice squad — but what do the additions really mean for this team’s future? We dive into the details and discuss:

🔥 The message behind the Texans’ PS moves
🤝 Why relationship-building is key — and why Nick Caley’s presence in Houston matters
👀 Are the comments about Bobby Slowik shade… or just admiration for Caley?
⚡ Could a move (or non-move) come back to haunt Houston down the road? Or has every decision been intentional and aimed at building a championship foundation?

Join us as we break it all down on today’s Locked...

The Houston Texans 53-man roster is officially set—but were there mistakes? On today’s Locked On Texans, we break down every surprise and shocker from roster cut day.

🔥 Topics on Today’s Show:

Texans cut 28 players to trim down to the initial 53

The Cam Robinson decision & what a trade would cost (spoiler: $8.75M in dead cap… YUCK)

Trent Brown released but expected back on the practice squad

Why cutting Jakob Johnson (true FB) but keeping British Brooks is confusing

Notable names waived: Myles Bryant, Harrison Bryant, Trent Brown...

Michael Connor, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet the Texans being without Joe Mixon for at least the first four games and all of the roster moves on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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Huge news out of Houston — Joe Mixon will start the 2025 season on the NFI list, sidelined for at least the first 4 games. What does this mean for the Texans’ offense and CJ Stroud’s first year in a new scheme? In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break it all down: How Nick Caley’s Patriots background could set up a successful running back by committee approach. Why Stroud’s growth goes beyond numbers — command of the offense, leadership, and fixing mechanics. Should Houston look outside the building for reinforcements, or ride with the players they already have? 
 

What did the Houston Texans’ preseason — including the final game — really tell us about this team? John Hickman breaks down why Woody Marks should be the lead back until Joe Mixon returns, highlighting:
✅ His health and durability
✅ Pass blocking grade of 65.7
✅ Elite yards after contact (59 of his 63 yards came after contact!)
✅ Ability to run inside the tackles

Plus, we dive into:
🔺 Stock Up & Stock Down defensive players
🛑 Who will emerge as CB4?
🧠 The biggest lesson of the Texans’ preseason: the vision for this offense is becoming crystal clear.

Subscribe to Locked On Te...

The Houston Texans started off slow in Detroit during joint practice with the Lions… but when Nico Collins lit the fire, the entire offense responded. Coty Davis joins the show to break it all down — from the maturity of C.J. Stroud’s unit bouncing back, to Jaylin Noel flashing X-factor potential.

We also dive into:

Why Tytus Howard MUST stay at Right Tackle after dominating Aidan Hutchinson.

The Texans front seven looking scary but secondary depth raising concerns.

Houston’s run game showing real juice even without Joe Mixon.

Don’t...

Things are starting to take shape in Houston! On today’s Locked On Texans:

Updates from practice as Christian Harris, Dameon Pierce, Tytus Howard, Derek Barnett, Foley Fatukasi, and Cam Robinson all suit up.

CJGJ spotted working on the sideline — Matt Burke breaks down Houston’s safety depth and why the Texans can hold steady until his return.

Xavier Hutchinson’s rise in the WR room and how Nick Caley is scheming to maximize his receivers’ strengths.

The Texans are rounding into form, but how much trust should fans have in this WR gr...

Join Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman as they discuss the upcoming season for the Houston Texans and their final preseason game this weekend. 

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The Houston Texans pulled off a surprise trade — John Metchie, after one of his strongest camps yet, is headed out in exchange for TE Harrison Bryant. Was this the right decision by Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans? 🤔

Plus, we dive into what life without Joe Mixon means for the Texans’ backfield. Which RBs can Houston trust, and who might land on the practice squad as a "break glass in case of emergency" option?

And don’t miss our breakdown of the Texans’ O-Line — finally getting a real assessment of where this group stands heading into the season.<...

On today’s Locked On Texans:

Balanced attack: CJ Stroud looked comfortable with a true run-pass rhythm.

O-Line dominance: The starting unit didn’t allow a single hit, hurry, or pressure — giving CJ full command of the offense.

Caley’s vision: Space, tempo, and physicality are shaping this offense into something special.

Defensive depth: The Texans held Carolina to 1-for-10 on 3rd down and just 3.6 yards per play. Depth matters in the preseason, and this defense has it.

Who earned their paper? Woody Marks and Blake Fisher showed out with the...

Join Michael Connor, former Texans offensive lineman Wade Smith, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman as they break down the Houston Texans preseason matchup with the Carolina Panthers on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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Join Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman as they recap the first week of the preseason and look ahead to week two, on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans’ joint practice with the Carolina Panthers revealed major storylines heading into Week 1. CJ Stroud looked sharp, throwing for 4 touchdowns behind an offensive line anchored by Tytus Howard and Blake Freeland Ersery — who might just be the best tackle tandem on this team. Is it time for DeMeco Ryans to officially lock them in as starters?

We also dive into:

The “good problem” of WR & RB depth — hard roster decisions incoming

Nick Chubb looking underwhelming while Jawhar Jordan and Marks shine

Will Anderson Jr.’s thoughts on the defense vs Panthers...

Are the Houston Texans quietly putting Blake Fisher on the back burner? What does this mean for his future and the O-line’s depth? We break down whether the coaching staff still trusts Fisher or if the signing of former Patriot & Ram Conor McDermott is a sign of change.

Plus — Houston’s real superpower: depth. This roster is stacked, and it’s creating some TOUGH roster decisions. We dive deep into the WR battle between John Metchie and Braxton Berrios — who has the edge, and should the Texans keep 7 wide receivers?

📌 Let’s talk Texans football: Subsc...

On today’s Locked On Texans podcast, we break down all the major storylines coming out of Houston Texans training camp! 🏈

💥 John Metchie Breakout – 5 catches at all three levels, showing the strong, reliable hands Texans fans have been waiting for. We dive into what made his performance so impressive and how his football IQ is helping CJ Stroud.

🚑 Brevin Jordan Injury Update – The Texans TE went down with a lower leg injury. What does this mean for the offense moving forward?

🎯 CJ Stroud’s Sharpest Day Yet – Several explosive plays, including a 60-yard TD strike to rookie Hi...

From rookie standouts to the questions surrounding first-time play caller Nick Caley, the Houston Texans’ preseason opener delivered more than expected — and maybe silenced a few concerns.

We break down:

The Texans’ tempo-heavy offensive attack and why it clicked

Aireontae Ersery’s dominant run blocking (6.7 YPA when running behind him!)

Andrew’s underrated value in the ground game

Star performances from Braxton Berrios, Ersery, and Andrews

Defensive depth showing out — Jalen Smith, EJ Speed, and Jamal Hill making noise

Did Houston’s preseason debut give us real answer...

Join Michael Connor, former Texans offensive lineman Wade Smith, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet as they break down the Houston Texans first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. 

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