Texans Owner’s Stance on Firing DeMeco Ryans’ Staff Confirmed as CJ Stroud Blames Offense – Insider

The Houston Texans are in a tailspin, and the frustration is clear. After suffering their third consecutive loss, they find themselves at 0-3 and desperately searching for solutions. CJ Stroud is feeling the heat behind a struggling offensive line, turnovers are stacking up, and the patience of fans is wearing thin.

Despite the growing calls for major changes, ownership and the front office aren’t ready to make any drastic moves regarding DeMeco Ryans’ coaching staff just yet.

Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander has confirmed that the blame for this disaster falls on Ryans and Nick Caserio. But the Texans’ owners seem committed to giving them the time they need. When asked about moving on from Nick Caley after the open week, Alexander said it is “highly unlikely.” 

“Firing Caley midseason will not help the Texans improve on offense. It’s possible, at some point this season, someone else could call the plays if things continue to go south,” Alexander said.

He doubts there will be a coaching change, and especially not by the open week. While Caley’s play-calling has faced criticism, Alexander emphasized that making changes this early would be an overreaction. Instead, DeMeco Ryans has publicly vowed to “clean up the things we can clean up” and keep the season on track.

Still, Alexander admitted that if Houston’s struggles continue and the team ends up with only around five wins, Caley would likely be the first to go. In that scenario, both DeMeco Ryans and Caserio could find themselves on the hot seat as well. Alexander remarked, noting that the system appears outdated and ineffective.

On the flip side, the offense is a glaring issue. Stroud threw two interceptions against Jacksonville, including a crucial one in the final two minutes. Houston has managed to score just 38 points over three games, the lowest in the NFL. Stroud acknowledged that the offense is holding him back, while analysts have pointed out issues like poor spacing, uninspired schemes, and a lack of support beyond Nico Collins. 

Stroud’s stats tell a troubling tale: two touchdowns, three interceptions, and 599 yards while facing constant pressure. The Texans’ running game has been virtually nonexistent, and receivers other than Collins are seldom open. As NFL.com’s Judy Battista noted, “An overhauled offensive line and new offensive coordinator simply haven’t worked so far.”

Now, Houston is gearing up to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, which could be their best chance to regain some momentum. However, if the offense doesn’t start to improve soon, both Stroud’s development and the future of the Ryans-Caserio era could be in jeopardy.

Texans cut veteran DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson in surprise release after three games

C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s stint in Houston ended almost as quickly as it began. After just three games, the Texans released the veteran safety in a move that stunned fans and raised eyebrows around the league.

Acquired in March from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a late-round pick swap, Gardner-Johnson was expected to bring experience and edge to Houston’s secondary. Instead, he exits with 15 tackles and six catches allowed on eight targets. For a defense already under scrutiny, the timing was as surprising as the decision itself.

According to reports, the move was tied to both performance and behind-the-scenes issues. His snap counts had dipped, and the Texans appear more focused on developing younger players like Calen Bullock and M.J. Stewart. Salary cap flexibility also factored in, giving Houston room to maneuver as they try to salvage their 0-3 start. Head coach DeMeco Ryans seems intent on building long-term rather than leaning on a short-term veteran fix.

For Gardner-Johnson, this is another twist in a nomadic career. After three seasons in New Orleans, he bounced through Philadelphia and Detroit before rejoining the Eagles for a Super Bowl run. Known for his fiery personality and trash talk, he now hits free agency again. But with his versatility as both a safety and nickel corner, and a Super Bowl ring to his name, suitors are expected to line up quickly.

His release closes one chapter in Houston but sets up another opportunity elsewhere. And wherever Gardner-Johnson lands next, eyes will be watching closely.