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Texans find formula that could help Nick Caley's offense go
The one thing that had eluded the Houston Texans' offense through 13 games was a 100-yard rushing performance from one of their running backs.
Woody Marks and Nick Chubb have combined for 100 yards three times. But the Texans had not had a running back rush for 100 yards this season — until Sunday.
And it came from one of the most unlikely people: Second-year running back Jawhar Jordan.
On Saturday, the Texans elevated Jordan from the practice squad after finding out that Chubb, who had an injury to his ribs, wouldn't be available for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Jordan, a sixth-round draft pick of the Texans in 2024, had never played in a NFL regular-season game before.
But if you saw him in the Texans' 40-20 win over the Cardinals, you'd never know it.
He rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries, including a 50-yard run in the third quarter, which also happened to be the longest run of the season.
"Jawhar, he made us look good honestly," right tackle Trent Brown said. "I don't know where he came from, but he's well-versed in running wide zone. That was clear.
"He really toted that (expletive) today."
For the Texans (9-5), Jordan's performance showed what was possible for this offense under offensive coordinator Nick Caley. For most of this season, that offense has mostly underachieved.
Their defense has carried them to six consecutive victories, as their offense continued to find its footing, which even Caley admitted last week was frustrating.
But they finally put it together Sunday, discovering what will truly help this offense flourish — a solid running game that complements the pass.
Read the rest of my analysis here.
 | Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter |
3 🔑 plays
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
C.J. Stroud's 57-yard TD pass to Nico Collins
It was only the second play of the game, but C.J. Stroud threw a perfect pass over the middle to Nico Collins, who raced to the end zone for the 57-yard score. The play was huge because it set the tone for Houston's offense, which had one of its better performances of the season.
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Jamal Hill's forced fumble
It happened on Arizona's first kick return. Second-year linebacker Jamal Hill delivered a crushing hit on return man Jalen Brooks, popping the ball into the air. It fell into the hands of running back Dare Ogubowale and led to three points, giving the Texans an early 10-0 lead before the Cardinals' offense even stepped foot on the field.
Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Jaylin Noel's 69-yard kick return
This was a big moment for the Texans' return unit because for much of this season, they've struggled.
But the blocking was perfect, springing rookie Jaylin Noel loose. This was the special-teams unit's best game this season and its play will be critical down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Photo by: Susan Barber
Trending up
RB Jawhar Jordan: He rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries, and could see more snaps moving forward.
Texans' special teams: The Texans' special-teams unit had its best performance, whether that was Jaylin Noel's returns or their kick-return coverage.
C.J. Stroud: He had his third three-touchdown game this season, two more than he had in 19 games in 2024. He's looked much improved this year, and that will be important in the playoffs.
Trending down
RB Nick Chubb: With Jordan's rise, Chubb, who missed Sunday's game, could continue to see his carries dip.
WR Christian Kirk: It was another game where he was barely involved. And as a result, his snaps are decreasing.
Texans Trivia!
Today's question: In the past two seasons, two Houston players have had 60 or more catches. Name them.
The first person to email me the correct answer gets a shoutout in Friday's newsletter.
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Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Texans thin at DT
Mario Edwards is the second defensive tackle Houston has lost to a season-ending injury in recent weeks.
- Jordan gets his chance: After spending most of his first two seasons on the practice squad, Jawhar Jordan became just the second player in Texans history to rush for 100 yards in his NFL debut. Read More
- Errant snap or trick play? Texans running back Woody Marks scored so easily, it almost looked like a bad snap was part of an elaborate trick play. The players involved all explained exactly what happened, though. Read More
- Report card: How we graded the Texans' performance after they improved to 9-5 with their sixth consecutive victory. Read More
- Playoff standings: The Texans remained at No. 7 in the AFC playoff race after beating Arizona as the Jaguars, Bills and Chargers also won. Read More
- What we learned: The Texans scored 17 points in the first nine minutes to set the tone in a blowout win over Arizona. Read More
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