Houston Texans’ ‘nightmare scenario’ is more realistic than we want to admit

Houston Texans fandom should be at an all-time high as we get closer and closer to training camp. The team has two franchise cornerstones in CJ Stroud and Will Anderson, while also having added arguably the two biggest names of the offseason, All-Pros Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs. The team should be a contender and one of the best teams in the AFC.

But what if that’s not the case? Bleacher Report recently wrote an article laying out the worst-case scenario for every NFL team in one sentence. The Texans’ role may be all too real to dismiss openly.

In its article aimed at our beloved Texans, the article suggests that if things go wrong, it will be due to a “sophomore slump.”

“Houston Texans: Two words: sophomore crisis(es).”

Most people won’t want to hear this, but the sad reality is that it’s a likely possibility. We don’t support this idea, we just know it’s possible. If things go wrong, it will be due to regression or injury. Or both.

The Texans surprised everyone in 2023. CJ Stroud shined and the chemistry was off the charts on both sides of the ball. However, things have changed. The players have evolved, the chemistry could be different and no one will sleep on the Texans again in 2024.

They are no longer rebuilding underdogs who can surprise you. They are now one of the most fortified and improved teams heading into 2024 and they are already a playoff team. The league has duct tape on it. New players have big shoes to fill. This isn’t going to be a piece of cake.

So yes, we agree that a sophomore slump is the most likely reason the Texans have a disappointing 2024, but we don’t think it’s going to happen. Granted, we need to see things play out before we can truly decide that the team will actually be better than it was, but we’re optimistic.