Houston Texans Face Early 2026 Struggles Despite C.J. Stroud’s Strong Start
The Houston Texans opened the 2026 NFL season with an alarming 0–4 record, but quarterback C.J. Stroud is not to blame for the team’s offensive woes. Stroud has performed at a high level, putting Houston ahead late in three separate games. Instead, defensive lapses, an ineffective run game, shallow wide receiver depth, and questionable coaching decisions have undermined his performance during the winless start.
Kamari Lassiter errors cost Houston late leads
Defensive struggles have consistently sabotaged late-game leads. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter drew heavy criticism following a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. With Houston leading 23–13 in the third quarter, Lassiter allowed a 53-yard deep reception to George Pickens. He later committed a pass interference penalty and a crucial defensive holding infraction on a fourth down, gifting Dallas a fresh set of downs at the one-yard line. Lassiter also missed an interception against the Buffalo Bills. Beyond individual errors, injuries to the linebacker corps have diminished the team’s pass rush, leaving the secondary exposed.
David Montgomery struggles as rushing attack stagnates
David Montgomery has struggled to find traction since a high-scoring debut. Montgomery opened his Texans career with two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, but he has failed to score since. His yards-per-carry average has plummeted to 2.7. While offensive line breakdowns and coaching choices contributed to the decline, Montgomery remains the primary face of a stagnant rushing attack. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley has also faced scrutiny.
Wide Receiver Depth Tested Amid Injuries
The receiving corps has suffered from a lack of depth while dealing with injuries to top targets. Nico Collins missed time, and Jayden Higgins has been unavailable, forcing Jared Wayne into an expanded role. Wayne caught just four of his 12 targets across 114 snaps, accounting for 42.5% of the team’s offensive plays. Other depth pieces experienced mixed results, with Jaylin Noel making impactful plays on limited opportunities, Xavier Hutchinson handling nearly half of the targets, and Kayshon Boutte working to integrate into the scheme. Wayne’s snap count dropped to 16 against Dallas following Collins’ return to the lineup.
When did the Houston Texans fall to 0-4?
When did the Houston Texans fall to a 0–4 record in 2026?
The conclusion regarding the Texans’ 0–4 start and the factors surrounding C.J. Stroud’s performance emerged publicly on October 5, 2026.
Who was identified as the primary target on the 53-yard play against Kamari Lassiter?
George Pickens caught the 53-yard deep pass against cornerback Kamari Lassiter during the third quarter of the matchup.
How did David Montgomery perform in his debut compared to subsequent games?
Montgomery opened his tenure with the Texans by scoring two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, but he has not scored since and saw his per-carry average drop to 2.7 yards.
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