TEXANS NEWSLETTER: Look to get back on track this weekend

HOUSTON – Hi Texans nation! This is KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy checking in with this week’s early edition Newsletter.

How are you all feeling after that shocker Sunday at NRG Stadium? Monday was rough for the fans, the media and definitely everyone inside of the facility.

32-27 loss to the lowly Titans who were 7.5 point underdogs and pulled off the shocker.

• How Texans will proceed with Jalen Pitre out indefinitely with partially torn pectoral: Jimmie Ward steps to forefront

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Actually, it’s more than one issue causing problems right now for the Texans. In the past six weeks everything has been exposed and the Texans better figure it out because there are only 5 games left in the season.

@Jacksonville, Bye Week, Dolphins, @Chiefs, Ravens (Christmas Day), and they’ll end at Tennessee,

Let’s face it, barring a collapse they are in good shape in regards to the AFC South race. Right? Two games up on the Colts I would think they will be fine. After the regular season ends though is the problem.

When playoff time arrives the brand of ball we’re seeing now looks every bit the part of a 1st or 2nd round postseason exit.

Priorities now are protecting C.J. Stroud (23 sacks in last six games), Offensive Line has to man up on Pass-Pro and run blocking to get Joe Mixon rolling again like he did against the Cowboys and much of this season.

Defensively it’s been hit or miss. The pass rush has been effective but the back end has been struggling. Injuries are a part of it but that needs to tighten up quickly. Losing Jalen Pitre for several weeks is HUGE!

• Source: Texans signing safety Russ Yeast to practice squad

AFC SOUTH STANDINGS

Texans 7-5

Colts 5-7

Titans 3-8

Jaguars 2-9

Sunday at Jacksonville is a “Must-Win” in my opinion. They need a W, they need to dominate and get the mojo back as they enter their BYE week. Simple as that because as stated above, the schedule ramps up with Miami, KC and Baltimore in a span of 10 days.

In case you missed it: Texans’ Tim Settle Jr. gives back at Sunnyside for Thanksgiving: ‘I just want to put a smile on people’s faces’

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The Texans spent part of Monday and Tuesday giving back to Houstonians leading up to Thanksgiving. The organization and the players were all over the city. Here are a few links KPRC 2 covered:

READ MORE:

• ‘It’s no secret I haven’t been playing well, for my standard,’ Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud picked off twice in loss
• Texans’ run game, Joe Mixon stonewalled, battle in the trenches lost: ‘Everybody has to look in the mirror’
• A crushing, uncharacteristic, costly miss: Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn ‘really frustrated’ after flubbing short kick
• Sources: Texans defensive back Jalen Pitre suffered partial tear of pectoral, Ka’dar Hollman tore ACL