Anonymous NFL Exec Refuses to Count Texans Out of Playoffs
Despite their slower-than-expected start to the new season, it looks like NFL executives across the league aren't ready to give up on the Houston Texans just yet.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed a handful of NFL executives across the league to ask a variety of questions upon reaching the halfway point of the season, where one of the topics centered around pinning a team who could have a real chance to make a late playoff push.
One NFC executive sees the Texans as a "really tough out," in large part due to their dominant defense.
"In the AFC South, there's another team that people around the league aren't giving on up quite yet. The Texans are 3-4 and third in the division, but they have upside," wrote Fowler.
"Their defense is one of the most physical in the league -- a really tough out,' an NFC executive said. 'It's really the offensive line that's been holding them back. If they can get settled down there, you can see what C.J. Stroud can do."
Anonymous NFC GM Credits Texans as "Really Tough Out"
Considering the Texans are a team sitting a step back from .500 and third in their division at the mid-way point of the season, that's a good bit of optimism in store for what lies ahead.
The Texans sit in a more challenging division landscape than once thought. The 7-1 Indianapolis Colts are rolling as one of the best teams and most effective offenses in the NFL, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are still 4-3 with a current tiebreaker against the Texans.
But the talent in the building for Houston is clearly recognized on both sides of the ball, especially defensively, which could end up being enough to push this group back into that playoff positioning.
Houston's defense, which sits atop the league in the best scoring unit through seven weeks, has been the driving force behind that subtle optimism for the second half of the year. They have a standout run defense, a commanding pass rush led by two of the best at their position, and a top-end secondary to pair with.
It's given opposing offenses fits week after week, and in turn, the Texans have kept all of their losses within one score. The offense, though, is what's needed to find those positive steps forward.
The protection in front of C.J. Stroud has been shaky, his weapons have faced some questions, and even injury, and Stroud himself hasn't been quite up to standard in a couple of outings as well.
Last week vs. the San Francisco 49ers, things started to shift in the right direction. Zero sacks taken by Stroud, nine pass-catchers were involved, and of course, they got their third win on the season in a time where their backs were against the wall.
If that level of production can sustain and be consistent into the second half of the season, there's no reason to believe this group can't have a playoff ceiling. Time will tell if that winds up coming to fruition, but it's not out of the realm of imagination for some sitting upstairs across the league.
Jahdae Barron Vows to Prove Critics Wrong: ‘I’ll Be Ready to Shine’
Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron has a chip on his shoulder — and he’s not afraid to show it. After receiving criticism for his early-season performance, Barron has come out swinging with a defiant message: he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong, and he’s just getting started.
"They can call me whatever they want, but I know what I’m capable of. I’m here to prove them wrong, and when the moment comes, I’ll be ready to shine. This is just the beginning,"
Barron, a talented defensive back with all the potential in the world, has faced his share of challenges since entering the NFL. Despite a solid college career, he has struggled to find consistency in the professional ranks. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, Barron is using the criticism as fuel for his fire.
His message is clear: he's not interested in playing it safe. Barron is determined to step up and show the world what he can truly do on the field. With a mixture of speed, agility, and raw talent, Barron has the tools to be an impactful player, and now it’s all about executing when it matters most.
One thing that’s apparent in Barron’s statement is his mental toughness. He’s not letting the noise get to him. Instead of being discouraged by the critics, he’s embracing it as motivation.
His confidence isn’t just about words — it’s about his work ethic. Barron has been putting in extra hours on the practice field, refining his technique, and preparing himself for the opportunities that lie ahead. The Broncos coaching staff has also noticed his progress, praising his dedication to improvement.
Barron’s journey is far from over, and he knows that. Every snap he takes, every play he makes, is a step toward silencing the critics and solidifying his place in the Broncos' defensive lineup. His passion for the game and his commitment to proving himself will be key factors as he works toward becoming one of the league's top cornerbacks.
As the Broncos look to build on their defensive identity, Barron’s readiness to take on whatever challenges come his way is exactly what they need. His competitive spirit will drive him to continue evolving and contributing to the team’s success.
“This is just the beginning,” Barron said with a smirk. It’s clear that he’s ready to make a statement, and when the opportunity arises, there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to take his game to the next level.
