Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans

The numbers don’t lie — and they tell the whole story of Sunday’s loss. The Houston Texans are officially dead last in red zone touchdowns from inside the 2-yard line. ZERO. Meanwhile, teams like the Saints, Raiders, Dolphins — even the Titans — are finding ways to score.

So what’s the issue? Lack of snaps? Poor play calling? Bad red zone execution? We break it ALL down:
🏈 Jaylin Noel’s limited snaps (only 11!) despite back-to-back big games.
🏈 CJ Stroud’s sharp play before his injury — 5/6 vs the blitz, 70 yards, 4 first downs, +0.28 EPA per play.
🏈 And the BIG question: Shoul...

The Houston Texans’ playoff dreams might be slipping away after a brutal loss to the Denver Broncos. In this defeated Monday , we dive into:

🏈 CJ Stroud’s concussion — how his absence completely derailed the offense.
🚨 Red zone nightmares — 0-for-3, including two failed trips inside the 2-yard line.
🤦 Offensive collapse — Higgins and Noel COMBINED for one target?!
💪 Defensive heart — holding Denver 33 yards below their rushing average and limiting YAC.
🧠 Coaching concerns — did Nick Caley’s inexperience show in the second half?

The Texans defense gave everything they had — but can Houston survive without its QB1? Are the playoff...

This is it — make or break time for the Houston Texans. 👀 As they prepare to face the Denver Broncos, we take an inside look at the numbers that could define Sunday’s showdown. Denver ranks among the NFL’s best in YAC yards, while Houston’s defense has quietly been one of the top units at limiting yards after the catch — meaning the second and third levels of the defense have to play BIG. 💪

Plus, when Christian Kirk returns, should the Texans prioritize him over rookie Jaylin Noel? Both have flashed, but Noel has given this offense explosiveness an...

The Locked On Texans x Locked On Broncos Crossover Special is here — and it’s getting HEATED! 😎 Can Houston’s defensive front neutralize the Broncos’ O-line and make Bo Nix fold under pressure (without even blitzing)? Will CJ Stroud stay upright against Denver’s pass rush? The Broncos will be without Patrick Surtain II, while Nico Collins returns to join a Texans WR group that’s starting to find its groove. But can Houston’s secondary contain the YAC king, Troy Franklin? We’re breaking down ALL the key matchups, storylines, and hidden X-factors that will decide this AFC showdown. 👀 Tune in...

The numbers might fool you — but the film doesn’t! Woody Marks has become a quiet X-factor in the Houston Texans offense. Despite an average depth of target at just 2 yards, Marks has turned 156 of his 165 receiving yards into YAC, ranking 16th in the league in that category — even though he’s only 30th in passing snaps! 👀

In this episode of Locked On Texans, John Hickman breaks down why Marks’ impact goes way beyond the box score and why Houston MUST keep him involved in the offensive game plan moving forward.

Plus, special guest Stan Norfleet stop...

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down the concentrated effort by CJ Stroud and Nick Caley to get the ball out fast and how it’s keeping the Texans offense ahead of the sticks — just like they’ve preached since training camp.

📊 Quick Game Stats That Tell the Story:

Short center of the field: 11/11, 129 yards, 6 first downs, 2.15s to throw (best past LOS)

Short range (0–9 yards): 20/22, 187 yards, 11 first downs, 2.28s average time to throw

Plus:
🏈 Exclusive EJ Speed interview — the Colts LB shares his thoughts on CJ Stroud, the outs...

VICTORY MONDAY, HOUSTON! The Houston Texans beat the San Francisco 49ers, and it’s time to celebrate on Locked On Texans x Locked On 49ers — CROSSOVER EDITION! 🎙️ CJ Stroud went OFF with a 300+ yard performance, controlling the tempo, shredding the 49ers’ defense, and showing why he’s one of the NFL’s elite young quarterbacks. The Texans’ offense played clean, confident, and explosive — 0 sacks, only 10 pressures, and an established run game that kept the Niners guessing all night. The rookies showed OUT, especially:✅ Woody Marks, delivering juice, balance, and attitude on the ground✅ Aireontae Ersery, who didn’t allow a single pressure — stone...

Michael Connor, Wade Smith, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman break down the Houston Texans matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans have an offensive identity crisis, and whatever this offense thinks it is… it isn’t working consistently. On today’s Locked On Texans Podcast, we dive into the confusion surrounding the Texans’ offensive struggles and ask the big question:

👉 What IS the offensive identity of the Houston Texans?

Hear from CJ Stroud himself, as he shares his thoughts on where this team is mentally and what has to change. After a confusing and frustrating week following the loss to Seattle, Houston suddenly faces a must-win game on Sunday vs the 49ers — a matchup that...

The chess match is SET. 🧠🏈
DeMeco Ryans vs Kyle Shanahan. Texans vs 49ers. Houston is favored by 1.5, but can the Texans finally prove they can beat an elite NFL team?

The 5-2 San Francisco 49ers, bruised by injuries yet still stacking wins, roll into this matchup as one of the NFL’s most battle-tested squads. On the other sideline, the healthy and hungry Houston Texans are searching for that signature victory. Can DeMeco crack the code of his former head coach—or will Shanahan remind the league who built the system first?

In this Locked On...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman take a closer look at the Houston Texans loss to the Seattle Seahawks and a look ahead to this weeks matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, on the Locked On Texans Squad Show. 
 

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The Houston Texans are spiraling, and the fanbase is starting to feel it. 💥 With the offense collapsing, Nico Collins in concussion protocol, and DeMeco Ryans refusing to make changes at OC, are Texans fans beginning to lose faith in DeMeco AND CJ Stroud? Today on the Locked On Texans Podcast, we dive into the biggest questions shaking H-Town right now: 🔥 Is DeMeco Ryans’ stubbornness costing the Texans the season? – Ryans says he’s NOT changing Offensive Coordinators and insists the blame should be on him. Admirable? Or alarming? Could this backfire with the locker room and the fanbase? 🔥 Is CJ Stroud still...

The Houston Texans offense was painful, confusing, and straight-up complacent — and the players are admitting it. After a brutal offensive performance, questionable coaching decisions, and Tytus Howard calling out the team’s mindset, it’s time to ask a real question:

👉 Are the Texans even CLOSE to competing with elite NFL teams?
Right now — the answer looks like no.

Tonight on Locked On Texans, we break down the 3 PHASES of FAILURE that cost Houston big:

🚨 PHASE 1 — Offensive Line Chaos

Rotating Laken Tomlinson and Juice Scruggs at LG for no clear reason?
28...

Michael Connor, former Texans lineman Wade Smith, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman break down the Houston Texans Monday night matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans just took a MAJOR hit — Christian Kirk is OUT, and now this offense enters Monday night with its most reliable slot weapon on the shelf. So the question is simple… 👉 Can the Texans survive without their true slot WR? In today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we break down exactly what Houston is missing without Kirk: 💥 A high-IQ receiver who understands the nuances and spacing of the offense 💥 The team’s third most dependable target behind Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz 💥 A true slot presence who opens up big-play opportunities and keeps coverages honest With Kirk leading the tea...

CJ Stroud is giving his flowers to the big men up front — and rightfully so! 🌹 The Texans’ current offensive line combo (including Juice Scruggs at LG) has quietly become one of the NFL’s most efficient units:

134 snaps played together

Only 2 sacks allowed

2.2 seconds average clean pocket time (Top 2 in NFL!)

3.17 seconds average time to sack (Top 2 in last 3 games!)
Plus, shoutout to Dalton Schultz & Harrison Bryant, who’ve held strong against an 85% blitz rate, allowing just 2 pressures and 1 sack!

But can they keep that same energy against Seattle’s e...

It’s Crossover Week! The Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks go head-to-head in a primetime battle of the trenches on Monday Night Football! 💥

In this Locked On Texans x Locked On Seahawks crossover episode, we break down:
🏈 How Houston can shock the world and take down Seattle
💪 The trench war — Will Anderson & Danielle Hunter vs Leonard Williams & Byron Murphy
🧠 Can Nick Caley’s offense protect CJ Stroud from Seattle’s interior pressure?
🔥 Is this the breakout game for Nico Collins with Seattle’s banged-up secondary?
👀 How can Houston contain JSN and limit Kenneth Walker’s big-play ab...

The Seattle Seahawks offense has been on fire — averaging 28 points per game, 356 yards per game, and converting in the red zone at an elite 85% rate. They’ve been efficient on first down, where 70% passing completions, 15.4 yards per completion, and 7 of their 9 passing touchdowns come from early downs. 😳

So, what can the Houston Texans do to stop them? In today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we break down:

Why Houston might need to blitz more on early downs 🧠

How Derek Stingley Jr. and the secondary can handle Seattle’s passing attack 💪

The importance of...

The Houston Texans face their biggest test of the season — the battle within the tackles. 💥 Can Houston’s offensive line hold up against one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive fronts? The Seattle Seahawks are sending only four rushers on 84% of dropbacks yet still generating a 37% QB pressure rate (4th best in the league) and leading the NFL with a 36.3% defensive stunt rate 😳

We break down:

How the Texans’ offensive line can survive Seattle’s chaos up front 🧱

The scary-good combo of Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams (7.5 sacks combined) 💣

Why Sam Darnold has quietl...

The Houston Texans are officially in the playoff mix! Sitting as the 8th seed in the AFC, the question now is: can they climb even higher? 👀

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we’re breaking down:

🏈 How Houston stacks up against the rest of the AFC playoff contenders

🔥 Why Dalton Schultz deserves way more love — he’s been one of the Texans’ most reliable weapons on first and third downs

💪 The defensive tackle unit that’s quietly been the backbone of Houston’s improved run defense

💥 And what it’ll take for the...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman discuss the Houston Texans current roster and where they might target improvements at the trade deadline on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman break down the leftovers from the win over the Ravens, if you're back on the hype train and could a big addition be in the works for the team. 

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The Houston Texans may be on a bye week, but we’re not taking one! 😤
We’re breaking down C.J. Stroud’s first five weeks — the good, the bad, and what it all means moving forward. Is a grade of “B” fair for a quarterback who’s been one of the NFL’s best in on-target throws and has seen his EPA rise every single week? Or should we expect more from Houston’s franchise star? 💪

Then, we’re diving into the Texans’ running back room — Chubbs and Marks have split the workload, but is it sustainable for Houston’s p...

Let’s circle back to one of the most underrated storylines in Houston — DeMeco Ryans relinquishing defensive play-calling duties. Could this move be the key to unlocking the Texans’ full potential? 👀

Since handing over the reins, the Texans have:
🔥 Averaged 35 points per game in their last two outings
🧠 Cut penalties nearly in half — just 10 in two games, compared to 24 to start the year
💬 Shown major growth in communication between OC Nick Caley and QB CJ Stroud

We break down how this shift has allowed DeMeco to have a bigger overall impact — and how it’s helping Houst...

The Houston Texans may have found their formula — and it starts up front. In today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we revisit the win over the Baltimore Ravens and highlight the unsung heroes of the trenches.

💪 Tytus Howard and Ed Ingram have quietly become the strong side of Houston’s offensive line, setting the tone in the run game and opening up the play-action passing attack. On the first drive alone, Houston went 4-for-5 for 35 yards — capped off by a play-action counter to the right side that left Hutch wide open for the TD.

The Houston Texans made a statement with a 44-10 beatdown over the Baltimore Ravens! 💥 C.J. Stroud was surgical—throwing 4 touchdowns and keeping the offense in rhythm all game long. Houston played clean football, stayed ahead of the sticks, and completely neutralized Derrick Henry, holding him to just 33 rushing yards without Lamar Jackson in the lineup.

Defensively, Jalen Pitre showed out with two takeaways, while several lowkey players made huge contributions in the Texans’ most dominant win of the season.

In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down:
🏈 C.J. Stroud’s incredible p...

Michael Connor, former Texans offensive lineman Wade Smith, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman break down the Houston Texans matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Locked On Texans and Locked On Ravens crews team up for a crossover edition ahead of this week’s Texans vs. Ravens matchup at M&T Bank Stadium!

We’re breaking down the biggest storylines, key matchups, and game-changing X-factors as Houston gears up to face a banged-up Ravens squad.

🔥 Topics we cover:

Can the Texans front four dominate the trenches and get after the QB?

Will Houston’s defense be able to contain Derrick Henry and force the Ravens off-script?

With reports swirling about Lamar Jackson’s injury stat...

The Houston Texans face their biggest test yet: the Baltimore Ravens. But here’s the twist—this isn’t the dominant Ravens team you’re used to. Through four weeks, their rushing defense has been gashed, giving up 152 yards per game (and nearly 170 at home!).

What’s the formula? Run the ball more than 20 times.

Rams: 27 attempts → 8 first downs → won T.O.P.

Bucs: 19 attempts → only 3 first downs

Jags: 19 attempts → just 2 first downs

Titans: 35 attempts → 10 first downs → won T.O.P.

If Houston sticks with the run (20+ carries is...

Michael Connor, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet get you primed for the Houston Texans week five matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on the Locked On Texans Squad Show. 

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The Houston Texans walk away from Sunday’s game with more than just another performance to dissect — they showed signs of real growth. CJ Stroud continues to evolve as a quarterback, and Nick Caley deserves his flowers for dialing up the right plays, earning himself an “A” grade in my book. From intentionally featuring Woody Marks in the passing game to giving CJ the confidence he needed, is Caley is proving he’s the right choice for Stroud? Maybe. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room… the Cam Robinson trade. Was this the right move? I call it risky...

The Houston Texans finally crack the win column — and they did it in shutout fashion against the winless Tennessee Titans! CJ Stroud threw multiple touchdowns, but the real breakout star was rookie running back Woody Marks, who found the end zone both on the ground and through the air.

Houston’s defense smothered Cam Ward and the Titans’ offense, leaving their weapons completely ineffective. Plus, Stroud’s growth as a leader was on full display when he checked into the perfect play for a Jayden Higgins touchdown — a moment that shows the future is getting even brighter in Houston...

Michael Connor, former Texans offensive lineman Wade Smith, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman break down the Houston Texans game against the Tennessee Titans on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Battle of the Defeateds is here! The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are both desperate to claw their way into the win column — but who has the edge?

In this Locked On Texans x Locked On Titans Crossover Special, we break down the JUICIEST storylines:

Both teams trading away “impact” DBs — what does it really say about their direction?

Can the Texans’ run game carry C.J. Stroud and take pressure off with Sweat OUT for Tennessee?

Why Will Anderson Jr. could absolutely WRECK this game against a Titans O-Line that’s alr...

The Houston Texans are in a slump, and all eyes are on OC Nick Caley. But firing him in Year 1?

That might make the Texans look even worse than when they hired him. On today’s Locked On Texans, we break down why Caley needs to move to the booth, delegate, and create a more collective coaching experience to unlock this offense.

Through three weeks, Noel has just 2 catches for 11 yards and Higgins barely sees targets. With so much wasted receiver talent, Caley has to adjust—or Houston’s season slips further. Plus, we take an ear...

The Houston Texans just dropped a bomb: C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been RELEASED — just days after Nick Caserio converted $6.58M into a signing bonus. What went wrong? Reports of CJGJ being unhappy with his role, criticizing teammates, wanting to blitz more, and even asking for a trade all led to this shocking move. But this raises a BIGGER question…

👉 Is this another wasted contract by Caserio?👉 Who’s responsible for the Texans’ 0-3 start — Caserio, DeMeco Ryans, or does even C.J. Stroud share some blame?👉 And finally… Texans fans, it’s time for a therapy session. We’ll r...

Michael Connor, Stan Norfleet and John Hickman discuss if the Houston Texans can save their 2025 season and look ahead to this weekends matchup with the Tennessee Titans on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans drop to 0-3 after a tough loss to the Jaguars, and it felt like they could never find their footing. Offensive struggles made Nick Caley’s unit tough to watch, rookies had little to no impact, and now the big question is: where do we point the finger—Caley, Caserio, or DeMeco Ryans?

John is joined by Stan Norfleet to break down:
🔹 Why the Texans’ offense looked flat
🔹 Whether rookie contributions are falling short
🔹 How much responsibility falls on Nick Caserio’s roster building
🔹 And if DeMeco Ryans deserves criticism this early

Su...

Michael Connor, former Texans offensive lineman Wade Smith, John Hickman and Stan Norfleet react to the Houston Texans matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the Locked On Texans Squad Show.

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The Houston Texans are showing growth, but advanced numbers tell the real story. The offensive line is improving, yet Houston’s biggest flaw shows up on 3rd down—everything good goes down, everything bad goes up. Can they fix it before it’s too late?

We break down:
🚨 Why the Texans must replicate 2nd down success
🚨 The staggering 32% of plays going for zero or negative yards
🚨 The importance of limiting early down mistakes for CJ Stroud & Nick Caley’s offense

PLUS: Special guest Cole Thompson joins for his “Cole (Cold) Takes” 🥶 including why Sunday’s matchup vs...