I’m lower on Tampa Bay than most people but I think it has to be mentioned that their defense is built to beat a team like the Texans offense.
They are big up front on early downs and should be able to slow down the Texans run game where they can set Houston up in 3rd & longs with sim/unblocked pressures.
I think this is a worse defense than LA but still not easy.
Hot Takes
calebgibbs• 3 mo ago
I think if the play calling is right today, then the Texans should pull it out. The Texans defense should be able to hold the buccaneers to under 20
I’m lower on Tampa Bay than most people but I think it has to be mentioned that their defense is built to beat a team like the Texans offense.
They are big up front on early downs and should be able to slow down the Texans run game where they can set Houston up in 3rd & longs with sim/unblocked pressures.
I think this is a worse defense than LA but still not easy.
C.J. Stroud when targeting in breaking routes this season:
74.8% Completion Percentage (2nd)
9.9 YPA (4th)
+0.54 EPA/DB (2nd)
WR Nico Collins has run the highest % of in breaking routes among all WRs this season.
C.J. Stroud vs Man Coverage in 2025:
63.6% Completion Percentage (3rd)
7.4 YPA (8th-most)
13 TDs - 0 INTs (Most TDs without a INT among qualified QBs)
He’s been excellent against man coverage this season where in past seasons he faired better against zone.
The Top CBs in the NFL at yards per target in Zone Coverage this season:
1. Derek Stingley Jr. (4.1)
2. Kamari Lassiter (4.4)
Best CB duo in the NFL.
Aireontae Ersery’s rookie season so far:
- 7.9% pressure rate allowed (10th best among LTs this year)
- 4th lowest by a rookie at LT since 2018 (min. 200 pass blocks)
Building block for the Texans OL moving forward.
C.J. Stroud has turned the ball over on just 1.4% of his pressured dropbacks this season (2nd lowest among qualified QBs)
- He’s averaging 0.81 seconds to throw after pressure (quickest mark of his career)
- 8.4 air yards per attempt under pressure (fewest of his career)
- 10.1% throw away rate on pressured dropbacks (up from 7.1% in 2024)
There has very clearly been an effort from Stroud & the offensive staff to not try and force things while just taking what the defense gives you.
Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. has won AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
This is his 3rd time winning the award in his career.
C.J. Stroud Mic’d Up on their drive to seal their win vs the Raiders.
Before the 3rd & 8:
“Are we throwing it?” - C.J. Stroud to Nick Caley
“Yeah” - Nick Caley
C.J. Stroud to Devin White after the game winner to Nico:
“That’s a dime boy that’s a dot”
C.J. Stroud Mic’d Up vs the Raiders:
“12 down there somewhere”
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