ARLINGTON – In the midst of a two-game losing streak, the Texans haven’t lacked for leadership.
During this slide, the players have been proactive with at least two players-only meetings held without the coaching staff present to discuss issues within the team and to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
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That includes hearing from other voices inside the locker room and giving everyone a platform to speak and not just team captains like quarterback C.J. Stroud, defensive end Will Anderson Jr., running back Joe Mixon, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, safety Jimmie Ward, long snapper Jon Weeks and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
“At the end of the day, it’s good because everybody is a part of this team and this allows somebody to speak up,” Al-Shaair told KPRC 2 Saturday in advance of a Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. “You might hear from me, Will, C.J., the typical guys talking, but I think there’s an opportunity to hear from somebody maybe doesn’t have as big a voice, but is seeing things from a different lens. It kind opens people’s eyes, like, ‘Dang, I didn’t think about that,’ and we can add that into whatever else we’re trying to do.”
The privacy of those meetings allows the players to have a freedom to speak their mind, too. Al-Shaair sees value in these interactions. Players are authentic, honest and bold in their statements within the team structure.
“A lot of times when you’re in a setting with coaches as players, it’s hard,” Al-Shaair said. “It’s kind of like your parents. You’re not trying to cuss in front of your mama. You are just understanding that people can me more comfortable just around their peers to say what they feel like they want to say for however long, but have held it in.”
#Texans veteran linebacker and team captain Azeez Al-Shaair on need for a win against #Cowboys and the importance of leadership and players-only meetings @KPRC2 https://t.co/sStR85lOJV
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 16, 2024
The Texans have remained a close team under the direction of coach DeMeco Ryans during a tough stretch as they’ve lost three of their past four games to drop to 6-4 after a 5-1 start.
“That’s part of this culture,” Al-Shaair said. “I would have expected anything different because if you are that type of guy you wouldn’t be here. That’s what we expected. That’s who we are. And that’s what DeMeco has brought here since he got here.”
The Texans haven’t scored a touchdown in the second half since an Oct. 13 win over the New England Patriots when backup running back Dameon Pierce ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Texans were outscored 19-0 in the second half of a loss Sunday night against the Detroit Lions, squandering a lead. They have lost two games in a row on primetime television.
“Just closing the game out,” Al-Shaair said. “I mean obviously everybody’s already said it, but four quarters of football regardless of adversity. It’s a game. It’s going to be highs and lows in the game. At the end of it, just closing it out in all phases and doing whatever it takes to get a win.”
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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
