AFC South Review – Houston Texans – Training Camp Edition

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The Houston Texans are preparing for what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history.

Led by prodigious quarterback CJ Stroud, the Texans won 10 games last season, including a Week 17 victory over the Colts that decided the AFC South and earned them a home playoff game. In the playoffs, the Texans demolished the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

Stroud was of course the highlight of the year; he had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, against just 5 interceptions. Receiver Nico Collins also exploded, catching 80 balls for 1,297 yards and 8 touchdowns, all career highs. He was joined by rookie Tank Dell, who had a great first season with 709 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns despite a broken fibula in Week 13 that ended his year prematurely.

The Texans have been very active this offseason as they look to capitalize on CJ Strouds’ rookie contract. Here are some of the Texans’ notable acquisitions heading into 2024:

The most notable names are obviously Diggs, who the Texans acquired from the Buffalo Bills, and Hunter, who the Colts reportedly tried to sign before he ultimately chose the Texans. Diggs is coming off what could be considered a tough year by his standards, and was reportedly a bit of a headache in the Buffalo locker room toward the end. With Collins and Dell already in the fold, he won’t be forced to carry the burden, and with him in a contract year, the Texans should get the wisest, most motivated version of Diggs.

Meanwhile, on defense, Hunter will partner with Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. in the trenches. With 2ndWith defensive head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has been orchestrating the proceedings for years, the Texans’ defense could take another step forward.

On Monday’s edition of The Ride With JMV, the voice of the Houston Texans, Marc Vandermeer, joined the show. Marc spoke to John about where the Texans stand as they prepare for the start of the 2024 NFL season. Listen to this conversation and more below, and tune in to The Ride With JMV weekdays from 3-6pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan!