Houston’s MNF setback leaves the Texans 0-2 as the offense stalls after an opening Nico Collins TD. CJ Stroud absorbs three sacks and the run game remains dormant while Tampa Bay rumbles for 360 yards (169 rushing). Baker Mayfield punctuates a late drive to seal a 20-19 win. A critical goal-line stand on 2nd-and-1 sums up Houston’s night and intensifies questions about the offense and play calling as they head to Jacksonville.

Aireontae Ersery’s rookie season is shaping Houston’s O-line into a gritty, smash‑mouth unit. With four new starters and Ersery locking down a blindside, the Texans aim to reduce sacks and boost Stroud’s development behind a tougher, more cohesive line. The blend of Ersery, Tomlinson, Ingram, Andrews, and Fisher signals a reset in both pass protection and run blocking, framed by Popovich’s finish‑and‑drive coaching style.

Stroud’s praise of Ersery captures the vibe: trust, back‑to‑back toughness, and a willingness to grind. The preseason hints at a more cohesive pocket and improved run lanes, even as Laremy Tunsil’s move to Washington looms in the background. If the chemistry sticks, fantasy managers could see a sturdier Texans offense elevating Stroud and Houston’s skill players in 2024.

In a pivotal season for the Houston Texans, the offensive line, led by new guard Laken Tomlinson, is poised to become a significant strength of the roster. Following a disappointing 2024 in which they ranked as the highest-paid unit yet allowed a staggering 54 sacks, including 52 against rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans are brimming with optimism post-reconfiguration. Tomlinson's arrival signals a fresh commitment to solidifying the offensive front, which struggled in both the regular and postseason last year.

The Texans have made strategic changes to bolster their line, with Tomlinson expressing confidence in the potential for improvement. A cohesive offensive line is critical not just for protecting Stroud, but also for unlocking the team's run game. Houston believes that with the right adjustments and chemistry, this unit can become a formidable force in the league, paving the way for a more productive offense.

The Houston Texans made several offseason moves with aspirations of capturing their third consecutive AFC South title. Analysts have found these changes to be largely ineffective, especially regarding the offensive line, which struggled last season, leaving quarterback C.J. Stroud vulnerable. Notably, the trade of Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been particularly criticized as disappointing.

Despite the setbacks, the Texans maintained a core group from last season, with Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter receiving contract extensions. New additions to the receiving corps include Christian Kirk and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, complementing veteran Nico Collins. They also made strides to strengthen the offensive line by acquiring Laken Tomlinson and Aireontae Ersery.