EPISODE · Dec 22, 2025 · 29 MIN
Texans WIN Ugly vs Raiders! CJ Stroud HAS to Be Better + Defense Leaks Big Plays, Ryans NOT happy?
from Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans · host Locked On Podcast Network
Houston got the win… but not the way anyone drew it up.The Texans escape with a hard-fought victory against a 2-win Raiders team, and while the scoreboard shows a “W,” the tape tells a much messier story. Las Vegas took away Houston’s run game, neutralized one of the Texans’ biggest weapons, and completely disrupted the play-action attack.Let’s be clear — this is not about blaming Jordan. The offensive line actually did a solid job protecting the quarterback. CJ Stroud wasn’t sacked once. But despite the clean pocket, Stroud played like he felt pressure that wasn’t there — and that matters. He has to be better. Period.The Raiders struggled to generate consistent pressure, yet still finished with 6 tackles for loss. Houston managed just 3.2 yards per carry, continuing a troubling trend:When the Texans rush for under 100 yards, they average just 17 points per gameOn defense, the issues are starting to stack up. For the second straight week, Houston gave up explosive plays:6 plays of 10+ yards3 plays of 30+ yardsThe absence of Azeez Al-Shaair was felt, and the lack of depth at defensive tackle continues to show. Still, there were positives — including 7 defensive drives of five plays or fewer, proving this unit can still clamp down when it locks in.We’ll also take a step back and reflect on what this 7-game winning streak truly means for the Texans — from DeMeco Ryans’ leadership to the belief inside the locker room and coaching staff.It wasn’t pretty.It wasn’t clean.But Houston found a way.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!CarGurusShop the way you want with the tools, data, and unbiased deal ratings that make it easy. Buy or sell your next car today at http://CarGurus.com.FanDuelIf you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFLGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
Houston got the win… but not the way anyone drew it up. The Texans escape with a hard-fought victory against a 2-win Raiders team, and while the scoreboard shows a “W,” the tape tells a much messier story. Las Vegas took away Houston’s run game, neutralized one of the Texans’ biggest weapons, and completely disrupted the play-action attack. Let’s be clear — this is not about blaming Jordan. The offensive line actually did a solid job protecting the quarterback. CJ Stroud wasn’t sacked once. But despite the clean pocket, Stroud played like he felt pressure that wasn’t there — and that matters. He has to be better. Period. The Raiders struggled to generate consistent pressure, yet still finished with 6 tackles for loss. Houston managed just 3.2 yards per carry, continuing a troubling trend: When the Texans rush for under 100 yards, they average just 17 points per game On defense, the issues are starting to stack up. For the second straight week, Houston gave up explosive plays: 6 plays of 10+ yards 3 plays of 30+ yards The absence of Azeez Al-Shaair was felt, and the lack of depth at defensive tackle continues to show. Still, there were positives — including 7 defensive drives of five plays or fewer, proving this unit can still clamp down when it locks in. We’ll also take a step back and reflect on what this 7-game winning streak truly means for the Texans — from DeMeco Ryans’ leadership to the belief inside the locker room and coaching staff. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But Houston found a way.
NOW PLAYING
Texans WIN Ugly vs Raiders! CJ Stroud HAS to Be Better + Defense Leaks Big Plays, Ryans NOT happy?
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m