The Houston Texans entered the season with high expectations for their offensive line after investing over $30 million in offseason upgrades, according to Texans Wire.
Veterans such as Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller were brought in as primary starters to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, while the team also utilized early draft picks on prospects Aireontae Ersery and Keylan Rutledge.
Despite these efforts, the unit ranked 31st at the start of the season and remains the only offensive line in the league that has not shifted its standing since Week 1, per Pro Football Focus.
Recent data indicates minor progress for individual players, as the outlets reported that rookie left guard Keylan Rutledge earned a 61.3 overall grade in the win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Regarding the rookie’s performance, “marking the first time since Week 1 that he has earned a PFF grade above 60.0,” the analysis noted.
Left tackle Aireontae Ersery also saw improvement, recording a 72.1 grade, which served as his best mark of the season despite allowing six pressures.
While Stroud has managed to avoid some hits through his own pocket mobility, the team currently ranks in the bottom 10 for sacks allowed, as noted by Texans Wire.
Perhaps more concerning is the team’s inability to establish a ground game, as Houston ranks 29th in rushing and 30th in yards per attempt.
Last week, the offense managed only two runs exceeding 8 yards, with a 14-yard carry by Woody Marks serving as the longest of the afternoon.
The team is now looking toward a Week 10 matchup against the Cleveland Browns to demonstrate better consistency on the field.
As reported by local sports data, the game is scheduled for a noon kickoff on FOX.