It’s H-Town vs the Steel Curtain, and this one has ALL the ingredients for a gritty, high-stakes showdown. 🔥 In this special episode of Locked On Texans, we link up with Locked On Steelers to break down how Houston matches up against one of the NFL’s most physical teams — and why the Texans might be built to close the curtain in Pittsburgh. 🟥 Can the Steelers handle Houston’s pass rush? Mike Tomlin called the Texans’ edge defenders the best in the league. Bold words — and we think they’re about to be proven true. With limited playmakers on the outside (not named DK Metcalf), who becomes the biggest defensive X-factor for Houston? 🟥 CJ Stroud vs Aaron Rodgers — the mental chess match What does Rodgers bring mentally to attack this Texans defense, and how does Houston counter it? Here’s the formula: play make-it, take-it. Protect the football (something Stroud has mastered post-concussion) Force turnovers on the other side Win the possession battle 🟥 Defense wins this game Houston must limit explosive plays on the back end, tackle cleanly, and make every yard difficult. If they do? This turns into a close, hard-fought game between two teams built the same way — toughness, discipline, and defense. So the big questions remain: 👉 Will CJ Stroud outplay Aaron Rodgers? 👉 Can Houston’s pass rush dominate like Tomlin says it can? 👉 Is this the moment H-Town closes the Steel Curtain?

Fourth quarter. One-score game. Heat turned ALL the way up. Who are you trusting to win it — Aaron Rodgers or C.J. Stroud? This Texans vs Steelers matchup is dripping with pressure, drama, and legacy implications. Pittsburgh brings one of the most aggressive blitz packages in the NFL, ranking top-3 in blitz rate. But here’s the twist — C.J. Stroud vs the blitz has been elite: 7.8 yards per attempt 55 first downs Calm. Calculated. Dangerous. So… is this a Stroud legacy game in the making? 👀 Maybe. We also dive into: 🔥 Which opposing defense is actually built to get the job done — and which QB will be made uncomfortable? 🔥 The Steelers’ strengths and weaknesses and how Houston matches up across the board 🔥 Why Pittsburgh gives up BIG passing yards — and how the Texans can exploit it 🔥 The non-coordinator coach quietly playing a massive role in Houston’s success 🔥 What happens when experience meets confidence in a close game

The stage is set. The lights are bright. Monday Night Football. Texans. Steelers. Playoffs. Houston is heading to Pittsburgh for a wild card showdown, and the drama is already turned all the way up. Are there early concerns that should scare Texans fans? Or is this the exact moment this team has been building toward? We dive deep into C.J. Stroud’s 2025 season and ask the real questions: Was this year actually good for Stroud in the long run? How should his season be graded? (C+? B-? 👀) And why this season could be the foundation that takes Stroud to the next level Yes — we go there. A comparison some fans might hate right now… Russell Wilson. If Stroud reaches that tier in his career, we may look back at THIS season and say: this was necessary. The growth. The leadership. The adversity. The evolution of a franchise QB. Plus — Texans vs Steelers breakdown: Pittsburgh is 7–3 in one-score games They thrive in ugly, grind-it-out football In their losses? 17 combined turnovers by opponents That tells us everything. This game comes down to execution, ball security, and discipline. Houston controls that? They control the night. And finally… what would a road playoff win really mean for the Texans? It wouldn’t just be a win. It would be the monkey off the back of DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud, and an entire franchise ready to take the next step.

In true Houston Texans fashion, it had to come down to the wire. A last-minute field goal, one final heartbeat… and the Texans punch their ticket to the NFL Playoffs as the AFC’s 5th seed. Playoffs? Houston is on the way. This episode breaks down the season finale thriller, where late-game heroics extended the win streak and proved once again: it’s not about how you start — it’s about how you finish. 🏈 What went right: The Texans ran the football when it mattered most Xavier Hutchinson steps up in a big way with no Nico Collins The offensive line shows real improvement Nick Caley's offense does just enough to close games Key moments from players Houston will NEED in the postseason ⚠️ What still worries me: The defense giving up explosive plays Depth issues when backup defenders are forced into action Mistakes that won’t be forgiven in January football This is a full Texans season finale review, a real conversation about where this team stands heading into the playoffs, and why this group feels different than past Houston teams. 🔥 Drama. 🔥 Growth. 🔥 Playoff football in Houston.

It’s not about how you start… it’s how you FINISH. And right now, the Houston Texans are finishing like a team nobody wants to see in January. Houston rolls into this Texans vs Colts showdown riding an 8-game winning streak, a playoff berth already secured, and a real chance to lock up the AFC South. Meanwhile, Indianapolis? They started hot, cooled off fast, and now find themselves on the outside looking in. So can the Colts play spoiler? Short answer: good luck. We break down the biggest matchups that matter: A broken Colts defense trying to survive a Texans offense searching for rhythm before the playoffs No Philip Rivers… enter Riley Leonard — and why the Houston defense is about to FEAST How Houston’s momentum, confidence, and physicality have flipped the power balance in the AFC South Plus, the biggest storylines for both franchises, real talk on where Indy went wrong, and bold, no-filter predictions on how this one plays out. Keeping it real? The Colts have NO chance. 🔒

YOU GUYS GOOD?! Before we turn the page to a new year, we’re looking back at the favorite moments from the Houston Texans’ 2025 season — the highs, the vibes, the moments that made this team feel different. But the future is already knocking… What do YOU want to see against the Indianapolis Colts? Let the young guys cook with real opportunities and targets? Give the vets and banged-up players some much-needed rest? Or are we manifesting an offensive explosion to close the season loud? And then there’s the real conversation Houston has to have heading into the New Year 👀 The Texans cannot afford to get “Shaq Masoned.” What does that mean? Being caught off guard if production at right guard falls off a cliff. Ed Ingram has been solid and deserves serious consideration to return — but smart teams plan ahead. What’s the backup plan if things change fast? New year energy. New expectations. Big decisions ahead.

Let’s clear the air right now — the second-half struggles were NOT all on C.J. Stroud. After the first two drives, everything changed. The Houston Texans offense got buried by drive-killing penalties, fumbles, and impossible down-and-distance situations. That forced the play calling to go conservative, stalled momentum, and made execution nearly impossible. This wasn’t just on Stroud or Jerrod Caley — this was about how the game was managed once things went sideways. Meanwhile… the Texans defense has an engine. And his name is Will Anderson Jr. Who is the true driving force of Houston’s defense? The answer is obvious. Anderson is breaking franchise records, wrecking game plans, and showing up in the biggest moments. But how is he doing it? And why does everything flow through him? We break down why he’s become the most impactful player on this defense — and one of the most feared young defenders in the NFL. And then there’s the playoff race. Why does it actually feel like Houston can line up against ANY team in the AFC and believe they belong? Because the playing field is even. No superteams. No untouchables. Just Houston vs Everybody — and a defense that can flip games by terrorizing quarterbacks. This episode is raw, real, and straight to the point. If you’re locked into Texans football, this one’s for you.

Houston’s offense started the fight… but the Texans defense finished it. Eight straight wins. A playoff spot clinched. And the standard in Houston? Officially back. Heading into this matchup, all eyes were on the offensive line. No Trent Brown. No Ersery. Questions everywhere. Instead? The Texans delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season. Blake Fisher and Jarrett Patterson stepped in and played clean football—no sacks allowed, just three total pressures, and zero penalties. That’s winning football. The run game wasn’t pretty, but it was tough. Woody Marks embodied that. 71 rushing yards 59 yards after contact Six runs of 5+ yards Add in Jahwar Jordan’s impact and Houston doing what it does best—rushing for over 100 yards—and the offense held up its end of the bargain. Then the defense took over… and took souls. 28 pressures 27 defensive stops 5 sacks 8 tackles for loss Just 7 missed tackles After giving up 145 rushing yards to the Raiders last week, this was the true test. The Chargers ran into a brick wall: 74 rushing yards, 3.4 yards per carry, and no rusher over 40 yards. Absolute domination. This is the defensive standard Houston has been waiting for—and they found it again. The structure, the discipline, and the ability to take what’s in front of them and still figure out how to win is what separates contenders from pretenders. Plus, major props to Nick Caserio for shoring up weaknesses with key additions like K’Von Wallace and Leki Fotu—moves that are paying off in real time. This episode breaks down how the Texans became one of the most complete teams in football and why this run feels very real.

This one feels like a playoff game — and the Houston Texans know it. With major AFC playoff implications on the line, Houston faces one of its biggest tests of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers. But here’s the challenge: Trent Brown is out Rookie Aireontae Ersery’s status is questionable So how does Houston still create an edge? It starts with the same formula that’s carried them all year: run the football, control the time of possession, and win the small moments. We break down how the Texans offensive line MUST attack the edge of the Chargers’ defense, why the tight end unit could be a major factor, and whether this sets up a sneaky Cade Stover value game. From there, it’s about discipline and details: No penalties Strong special teams Limiting missed tackles And then the big question: Which running back steps up? Should we see more Nick Chubb in this matchup? I think so — and here’s why. Plus, we’re joined by Texans center Jarrett Patterson for an in-depth interview on building cohesion up front, learning from Tytus Howard, and what it takes to grow as an offensive line unit when the stakes rise. We also react to social media comments and tap into what Texans fans have been buzzing about all week. This isn’t a must-win — but it’s a moment. A measuring stick. A test of whether Houston is ready for what’s coming next.

This one has all the drama written on it. The Houston Texans head into a massive showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers facing their biggest challenge yet — surviving one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushes without their two starting offensive tackles. Can Houston protect the quarterback long enough to win? Or does this matchup spell trouble? We break down the biggest key matchups and storylines heading into Texans vs Chargers, including: How Houston can withstand the Chargers’ relentless pass rush Why time of possession may decide this game Can the Texans’ defense rise to the moment again? Is this a Justin Herbert bounce-back game, or will Houston’s defense shut him down like they did in last season’s playoffs? Plus, game predictions and what has to go right for Houston to pull off a road win — and why it could be an uphill battle if they can’t control the clock. Straight talk. Real matchups. No fluff.

Let’s be real — #StopBlameNickCaley. Houston didn’t need a new play-caller against the Raiders… they needed CJ Stroud to be better, and this time, he came up short. But how did it happen? And more importantly — are these issues fixable as the Texans push forward? We break down exactly where Stroud struggled, what went wrong in the execution, and why this isn’t about panic — it’s about growth. 🔥 Plus, an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with Texans DT Daquan Jones Jones takes us inside the game plan heading into the Raiders matchup, shares thoughts on Ashton Jeanty, and reflects on his journey since arriving in Houston and becoming a leader on this defense. And don’t overlook the real difference-makers… 🏈 Calen Bullock and special teams were MASSIVE in Houston getting the win. Was this Bullock’s best non-interception game of the season? We break down why his impact went far beyond the box score. Straight-up analysis. No sugarcoating. No scapegoating.

Houston got the win… but not the way anyone drew it up. The Texans escape with a hard-fought victory against a 2-win Raiders team, and while the scoreboard shows a “W,” the tape tells a much messier story. Las Vegas took away Houston’s run game, neutralized one of the Texans’ biggest weapons, and completely disrupted the play-action attack. Let’s be clear — this is not about blaming Jordan. The offensive line actually did a solid job protecting the quarterback. CJ Stroud wasn’t sacked once. But despite the clean pocket, Stroud played like he felt pressure that wasn’t there — and that matters. He has to be better. Period. The Raiders struggled to generate consistent pressure, yet still finished with 6 tackles for loss. Houston managed just 3.2 yards per carry, continuing a troubling trend: When the Texans rush for under 100 yards, they average just 17 points per game On defense, the issues are starting to stack up. For the second straight week, Houston gave up explosive plays: 6 plays of 10+ yards 3 plays of 30+ yards The absence of Azeez Al-Shaair was felt, and the lack of depth at defensive tackle continues to show. Still, there were positives — including 7 defensive drives of five plays or fewer, proving this unit can still clamp down when it locks in. We’ll also take a step back and reflect on what this 7-game winning streak truly means for the Texans — from DeMeco Ryans’ leadership to the belief inside the locker room and coaching staff. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But Houston found a way.

New faces. Same expectations. And the Houston Texans defense is still looking to dominate. With injuries piling up along the defensive line, Houston had to reload fast—and now the spotlight is on Naquan Jones and Marlon Davidson. Can these two be the answers for an injury-riddled defensive tackle unit that still expects elite results? 🔍 Naquan Jones Logged snaps against Arizona and made his presence felt An all-hustle interior defender who does his job—every snap Strong against the run Consistent double-team splitter Quick feet that shine vs. zone runs Comfortable taking on double teams Is he one of those “can’t send him back” guys? And can he step into the Mario Edwards–type role for this Texans defense? 🔍 Marlon Davidson Former second-round pick Fresh opportunity, fresh expectations What can he realistically provide inside for Houston right now? PLUS 🔥 🎙️ EXCLUSIVE one-on-one with Tytus Howard We talk about: What’s been most surprising about this Texans six-game win streak The mindset inside the locker room Why expectations haven’t changed—even with new faces stepping in This episode is all about Texans defense, depth, dominance, and belief. If Houston’s interior holds strong, this team’s ceiling gets even higher.

Sunday afternoon isn’t a walk in the park for the Houston Texans — and the Las Vegas Raiders are bringing real problems to NRG Stadium. The Raiders’ defense is far from soft. Their outside corners are quietly having strong seasons: Eric Stokes is playing his best football since entering the league Rookie Darien Porter has allowed just 200 receiving yards all season And it gets tougher. Vegas stacks the box 61% of the time, and when they do, they allow just 2.92 yards per carry. That’s a major red flag for Houston, because when the Texans face a stacked box, they’re averaging only 2.62 YPC. That math doesn’t lie. So how does Houston combat it? This game may come down to one thing: the tackles holding up. If they play clean and physical, we could finally see the best version of the Texans’ rushing attack. Plus, one matchup could tilt the entire game in Houston’s favor — Dalton Schultz vs Devin White. If the Texans exploit it correctly, it could be a BIG-time advantage. And then there’s the question fans are whispering about… Could Jahwar Jordan be the next Arian Foster? Or is that asking way too much, way too fast? Oh — and don’t forget: the Texans defense is looking to dominate. If Houston wants this win, it starts with physicality, pressure, and setting the tone early.