Houston Texans Offense: How the Cowboys Can Attack C.J. Stroud | Broaddus’s Scout’s Eye
The defining issue with the Houston Texans' offense is its inability to run the football consistently, and that problem has carried directly into its protection issues.
Houston isn't generating enough movement at the point of attack, which repeatedly leaves the offense in unfavorable down-and-distance situations. The Texans have attempted to address the backfield by acquiring David Montgomery from Detroit and drafting Woody Marks in the fourth round, but neither has provided the consistency Houston needs to establish the run.
Houston's scheme is built to challenge defenses on the perimeter. The Texans want to stretch the front horizontally and get their backs outside, so Dallas must set a firm edge, maintain outside leverage and prevent the ball carrier from turning the corner.
That starts up front.
Attack Houston's Interior Offensive Line
The struggles in the run game have magnified Houston's problems in pass protection, particularly at the guard positions.
Keylan Rutledge has not played well, while Wyatt Teller has filled in for the injured Ed Ingram.
Regardless of which combination Houston uses, opponents have found ways to attack the interior of the offensive line.
The common issue is a lack of sustained blocks.
Both guards have difficulty staying connected to their assignments as the rush develops. The longer they are forced to remain engaged, the more likely they are to lose leverage, fail to secure the rusher and give up ground.
That creates opportunities for Dallas to generate pressure with interior movement, stunts and one-on-one rushes from its defensive tackles.
Quinnen Williams will be a problem for them regardless of who plays.
Make C.J. Stroud Hold the Football
Houston has allowed 10 sacks through three games, but I don't think the protection problems can be attributed entirely to the offensive line.
C.J. Stroud has a tendency to hold the football, which places additional strain on a unit already struggling to sustain blocks.
Through three games, Stroud has completed 72 of 120 passes for 794 yards and three touchdowns. His completion rate is 60%, and he's already been sacked 10 times.
Stroud will work to climb the pocket, but he doesn't consistently deliver the football when the initial read is covered. At times, he appears hesitant to attack tight windows and make contested throws.
That hesitation allows the rush to stay alive.
That's exactly where Dallas needs to take advantage.
Collapse the Pocket
Dallas doesn't necessarily have to come away with a sack on every pressure.
The goal is to make Stroud uncomfortable.
Collapse the middle of the pocket.
Force him to move.
Make him hold the football.
And when the opportunity comes, finish through the quarterback and the football.
Stroud has also had issues securing the ball, so Dallas needs to attack the throwing arm and finish plays when it gets home.
Nico Collins Changes the Matchup
The status of Nico Collins will be significant.
Collins missed Houston's last two games, but he returned to practice Wednesday, along with Ed Ingram, after both missed time with injuries. His availability remains something Dallas needs to monitor closely.
When Collins is on the field, the passing game immediately becomes more dangerous.
In Week 1 against Buffalo, five of his seven receptions came on contested catches. Collins primarily works outside and is used on slants, crossers and digs, giving Stroud a reliable target who can win through contact and create separation at the intermediate level.
Dallas has to know where he is.
Don't Lose Jaylin Noel
Jaylin Noel is another receiver Dallas must identify before the snap.
The former third-round pick has legitimate explosive ability and works primarily from the slot. Houston has used him effectively on digs, crossers and outs, particularly when it can create space through formation and route distribution.
He's the kind of player who can benefit when the defense becomes overly focused on the primary target.
Communication and discipline will matter.
The Cowboys' Defensive Formula
For Dallas, I believe the defensive formula starts with the front.
Attack the guards.
Stop the run on early downs.
Force Houston into unfavorable down-and-distance situations.
Compress the pocket.
Make C.J. Stroud hold the football.
If the Texans remain ineffective on early downs, Dallas should have opportunities to create the situations in which Houston's offense has shown its greatest vulnerability.
That's when the Cowboys' defensive line needs to take over.
Quinnen Williams has already shown flashes of being that type of interior presence. Against Houston, the opportunities should be there for him to create disruption.
THE SCOUT'S EYE
When I look at this Houston offense, I'm not starting with the receivers.
I'm starting with the offensive line and the running game.
Can Houston create enough movement to stay ahead of the sticks?
Can the guards sustain their blocks?
Can the Texans protect C.J. Stroud long enough for the deeper routes to develop?
That's where this game can be decided.
If Dallas sets the edge, wins the interior matchups and forces Stroud to play from unfavorable down-and-distance situations, the Cowboys can make Houston one-dimensional.
And when that happens, it's on the defensive front to finish the job.
— Bryan Broaddus
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