After a successful 10-win regular season and a playoff appearance, the Houston Texans have high hopes for 2024. Coach DeMeco Ryans is focused on internal improvements within the team.
“We have a lot of room to grow, and I expect everyone to strive for small improvements each day,” Ryans explained. “If we can progress daily, we’ll achieve our goals.”
The day before their second training camp under Ryans, he encouraged players to set high standards for themselves.
“No one outside this team has higher expectations than we do,” said defensive end Will Anderson Jr. “Right now, our goal is to keep building and reach new heights.”
After a stretch of just 11 wins from 2020 to 2022, Houston surprised many by winning the AFC South and defeating the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round last season. They’re aware they won’t sneak up on anyone this year.
“It’s going to be tougher,” quarterback C.J. Stroud acknowledged. “We’ve got a target on our backs, and that’s how it should be.”
Stroud’s breakout performance last season is a key reason for optimism in 2024. The second overall pick in the 2023 draft earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns.
“C.J. has shown great leadership this offseason, especially in organizing and working with teammates,” Ryans praised. “His ability to bring players together and build chemistry is crucial for our passing game timing.”
The Texans strengthened their team around Stroud during the offseason by acquiring Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs from Buffalo and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from Cincinnati before the draft.
Mixon will boost the Texans’ rushing offense, which struggled last season with an average of just 3.7 yards per carry, fifth worst in the NFL. Meanwhile, Diggs, known for over 100 catches in each of the past four seasons, joins a passing game that retains its top five receivers from last year.
“I’ve been watching Diggs for a long time,” said wide receiver Nico Collins. “I remember him making plays back when I was in middle school and he was in Minnesota, so it’s amazing to have him on our team now.”
On defense, the Texans signed four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter to a lucrative two-year, $49 million deal after his impressive 16 1/2 sack season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Hunter will team up with Anderson, the 2023 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, on the defensive line.
The Texans kicked off training camp on a cool, drizzly morning recently. Expectations are high for a team that has never reached a conference championship game in its 22-year history. However, Stroud and his teammates embrace these expectations.
“That’s how it should be,” Stroud affirmed. “If you doubt yourself, you won’t reach your goals. You need confidence, goals, a plan, and the determination to execute that plan.”
