2021 Houston Texans season

Last updated

2021 Houston Texans season
Owner Janice and D. Cal McNair
General manager Nick Caserio
Head coach David Culley
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly
Defensive coordinator Lovie Smith
Home field NRG Stadium
Results
Record4–13
Division place3rd AFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Uniform
Houston Texans Uniforms 2017-2021.png

The 2021 season was the Houston Texans' 20th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their only under head coach David Culley. For the first time since 2011, defensive end J. J. Watt was not on the roster, as he had signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 5, 2021, reuniting him with former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals the season prior. It also was the first time since 2014 without former head coach Bill O'Brien, as he was fired just four games into the 2020 season when the Texans began 0–4. [1]

Contents

In addition, Deshaun Watson, the starting quarterback since 2017, was inactive the entire season due to several allegations of sexual assault. [2] [3] Though he was never released, suspended, or placed on any reserve list, he was ruled out each week for "non-injury-related" reasons. [4] [3] Veteran free agent signing Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills split time as the starting quarterback in Watson's stead throughout the season. Due to injury and poor performance by Taylor, [5] [6] [7] Mills would be the starting quarterback for most of the season. Mills would finish the season with 2,664 passing yards, breaking the franchise record for most passing yards in a season by a rookie quarterback. [8] [nb 1]

After winning their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans would go on an eight-game losing streak before winning against the Tennessee Titans in week 11. After a Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive year. With a 41–29 upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in week 16, the Texans matched their win total from the previous season, at four.

Following the season, head coach David Culley and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly were fired. [9] [10] Watson would also be traded to the Cleveland Browns in the following off-season. [11]

Offseason

On January 7, 2021, the Texans hired Nick Caserio as the team's new General manager. Caserio spend 20 years with the New England Patriots. [12] On January 29, 2021, the Texans hired Ravens assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and passing coordinator David Culley as the team's new head coach.

Signings

PositionPlayerAge2020 teamContract
QB Tyrod Taylor 32 Los Angeles Chargers 1 year, $12.5 million
RB Phillip Lindsay 27 Denver Broncos 1 year, $3.5 million
RB Mark Ingram II 31 Baltimore Ravens 1 year, $3 million
RB Rex Burkhead 30 New England Patriots 1 year, $1.5 million
WR Andre Roberts 33 Buffalo Bills 2 years, $5.95 million
WR Chris Moore 28 Baltimore Ravens 1 year, $5.95 million
WR Alex Erickson 28 Cincinnati Bengals 1 year, no details
WR Donte Moncrief 28 New England Patriots 1 year, no details
WR Chris Conley 28 Jacksonville Jaguars 1 year, no details
TE Paul Quessenberry 29 New England Patriots 1 year, no details
OG Justin McCray 29 Atlanta Falcons 2 years, $4 million
OG Lane Taylor 31 Green Bay Packers 1 year, no details
C Cole Toner 30 Los Angeles Chargers 1 year, no details
C Justin Britt 30Did not play1 year, $5 million
DT Maliek Collins 26 Las Vegas Raiders 1 year, $6 million
DT Vincent Taylor 27 Cleveland Browns 1 year, $2 million
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis 29 Washington Football Team 2 years, $8 million
LB Jordan Jenkins 27 New York Jets 2 years, $6 million
LB Christian Kirksey 29 Green Bay Packers 1 year, $4.5 million
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill 27 Miami Dolphins 1 year, $3.25 million
LB Joe Thomas 30 Dallas Cowboys 1 year, $2 million
LB Derek Rivers 27 Los Angeles Rams 1 year, $1.3 million
LB Tae Davis 25 Cleveland Browns 1 year, no details
LB Hardy Nickerson Jr. 27 Minnesota Vikings 1 year, no details
CB Terrance Mitchell 29 Cleveland Browns 2 years, $7.5 million
CB Tavierre Thomas 25 Cleveland Browns 2 years, no details
CB Desmond King 26 Tennessee Titans 1 year, $3.5 million
CB Tremon Smith 25 Indianapolis Colts 1 year, $1.13 million
S Terrence Brooks 29 New England Patriots 1 year, $2 million
P Cameron Johnston 29 Philadelphia Eagles 3 years, $8 million

Re-Signings

PositionPlayerAgeContract
RB Dontrell Hilliard 261 year, $1.25 million
RB Buddy Howell 241 year, no details
TE Pharaoh Brown 271 year, $2.2 million
CB Vernon Hargreaves 261 year, no details
CB Cornell Armstrong 261 year, no details
LS Jon Weeks 351 year, 1.075 million

Departures

PositionPlayerAge2021 team
QB Ryan Finley 26TBD
RB Duke Johnson 27 Jacksonville Jaguars
FB Cullen Gillaspia 26 New York Giants
WR Chad Hansen 26 Detroit Lions
WR Steven Mitchell 26TBD
TE Darren Fells 34 Detroit Lions
OG Senio Kelemete 31 San Francisco 49ers
OG Zach Fulton 29 New York Giants
OG Beau Benzschawel 25 Washington Football Team
C Nick Martin 28 Las Vegas Raiders
DE J. J. Watt 31 Arizona Cardinals
DT Carlos Watkins 28 Dallas Cowboys
CB Mark Fields 24 San Francisco 49ers
CB Brandon Williams 28TBD
P Bryan Anger 32 Dallas Cowboys
LS Anthony Kukwa 28TBD

Trades

March 17To Houston Texans
To Miami Dolphins
To Houston Texans
To New England Patriots
  • ARI's 2021 fourth round pick
  • 2021 sixth round pick
March 18To Houston Texans
To New England Patriots
  • 2022 seventh round pick
March 19To Houston Texans
To Cincinnati Bengals
  • MIA's 2021 sixth round pick

Draft

2021 Houston Texans draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
367 Davis Mills   QB Stanford
389 Nico Collins   WR Michigan from Cleveland via Carolina
5147 Brevin Jordan   TE Miami (FL)
5170 Garret Wallow   LB TCU from Cleveland via Jacksonville and L.A. Rams
6195 Roy Lopez   DT Arizona from Dallas via New England
      Made roster  

NFL Top 100

NFL Network began announcing its annual top 100 list on August 15, 2021. Two players were named to the list.

RankPlayerPositionChange
18 Deshaun Watson Quarterback Increase2.svg2
75 Laremy Tunsil Offensive tackle Decrease2.svg9

Staff

2021 Houston Texans staff

Front office

  • Owner – Janice McNair
  • CEO – Cal McNair
  • President – Greg Grissom
  • General manager – Nick Caserio
  • Executive vice president of football operations – Jack Easterby
  • Executive vice president/general counsel – Greg Kondritz
  • Director of football operations – Clay Hampton
  • Assistant director of player personnel – Matt Bazirgan
  • Assistant director of player personnel – James Liipfert
  • Senior advisor for football performance – Romeo Crennel
  • Director of team development – Dylan Thompson

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Mike Eubanks
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach – James Hardy
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach – Joe Distor
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach – Pat Moorer

Final roster

2021 Houston Texans final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
52 active, 13 inactive, 16 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 14at Green Bay Packers W 26–71–0 Lambeau Field Recap
2August 21at Dallas Cowboys W 20–142–0 AT&T Stadium Recap
3August 28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 16–232–1 NRG Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

Week One: Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans31031026
Packers07007

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: August 14
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game attendance: 72,348
  • TV: KTRK
  • Recap
Game information

Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback for the Texans, leading the team 57 yards downfield on his first drive, before the drive stalled at Green Bay's 19-yard line; the Texans would settle for a 37-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn to take a 3–0 lead. This was the only drive Taylor would play, going 4-of-4 for 40 yards. Rookie quarterback Davis Mills entered the game on Houston's next drive, being sacked once and throwing an incomplete pass as the Texans went three-and-out. After the rough start, Mills would settle in and lead the Texans on two scoring drives, resulting in ten points. Late in the 2nd quarter, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love was sacked and fumbled the ball, with Jaleel Johnson recovering for Houston at the Green Bay 17-yard line; however, Mills would throw an interception on the very next play. Mills would briefly appear in the 2nd half before Jeff Driskel took over midway in the 3rd quarter. Driskel would remain the Texans' quarterback for the rest of the game; Driskel would only complete one pass out of six attempts for 2 yards. Late in the 4th quarter, Houston cornerback Tremon Smith intercepted a Kurt Benkert pass.

The three Texans' quarterbacks finished with a combined 16/32 for 149 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.

Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Two: Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans707620
Cowboys770014

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

The Cowboys received the opening kickoff, with Houston defensive end Jacob Martin causing a fumble on the third play of the game, with Charles Omenihu recovering it for the Texans. Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback for Houston, leading the offense on a short drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run from Mark Ingram II Taylor would play for most of the 1st quarter before Davis Mills came in with 0:22 left; Taylor finished 2-of-5 for 10 yards. In the third quarter, cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. intercepted a Ben DiNucci pass and returned it 53 yards for a pick six touchdown. Shyheim Carter picked off a DiNucci pass in the 4th quarter, returning it 5 yards to the 50-yard line. Jeff Driskel took over at quarterback on the next drive, leading the team down to the red zone before the drive stalled, settling for a 24-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn to give the Texans a 20–14 lead. Late in the 4th quarter, with the Cowboys trying to win the game, strong safety Terrence Brooks intercepted DiNucci, sealing the victory for the Texans.

The Texans only had 220 yards of offense versus the Cowboys' 308, but committed no turnovers while Dallas turned the ball over four times. The three Houston quarterbacks finished for a combined 13-of-23 for 131 yards.

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers6107023
Texans028616

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: August 28
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • TV: KTRK
  • Recap
Game information

Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn suffered an injury during pregame warmups, with safety Justin Reid handling the kickoffs for the Texans; Reid would not attempt any field goals or extra points, with the team opting to go for it on 4th down and attempt a two-point conversion after touchdowns. [13] [14] Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback and played until midway of the 2nd quarter. Taylor left the game after losing a fumble on a sack, finishing 6-of-9 for 31 yards. Davis Mills would play for the rest of the game, going 10-of-27 for 106 yards with two touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Taylor and Mills finished for a combined 16-of-36 for 115 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Regular season

Schedule

The Texans' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1 September 12 Jacksonville Jaguars W 37–211–0 NRG Stadium Recap
2 September 19at Cleveland Browns L 21–311–1 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
3 September 23 Carolina Panthers L 9–241–2NRG Stadium Recap
4 October 3at Buffalo Bills L 0–401–3 Highmark Stadium Recap
5 October 10 New England Patriots L 22–251–4NRG Stadium Recap
6 October 17at Indianapolis Colts L 3–311–5 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
7 October 24at Arizona Cardinals L 5–311–6 State Farm Stadium Recap
8 October 31 Los Angeles Rams L 22–381–7NRG Stadium Recap
9 November 7at Miami Dolphins L 9–171–8 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 21at Tennessee Titans W 22–132–8 Nissan Stadium Recap
12 November 28 New York Jets L 14–212–9NRG Stadium Recap
13 December 5 Indianapolis Colts L 0–312–10NRG Stadium Recap
14 December 12 Seattle Seahawks L 13–332–11NRG Stadium Recap
15 December 19at Jacksonville Jaguars W 30–163–11 TIAA Bank Field Recap
16 December 26 Los Angeles Chargers W 41–294–11NRG Stadium Recap
17 January 2at San Francisco 49ers L 7–234–12 Levi's Stadium Recap
18 January 9 Tennessee Titans L 25–284–13NRG Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Jaguars077721
Texans14137337

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

The Texans kicked off the 2021 season and the David Culley era at home against AFC South rival the Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The Texans' defense picked off Lawrence three times while the offense committed no turnovers. With the win, the Texans started 1–0 for the first time since 2016; additionally, the Texans were the only AFC South team to win during week 1.

Week 2: at Cleveland Browns

Week 2: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans770721
Browns7710731

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 75 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a hamstring injury during the first half, with rookie Davis Mills replacing him for the second half. [15]

Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 3: Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Panthers7071024
Texans06039

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Rookie quarterback Davis Mills started his first NFL game as Tyrod Taylor was still recovering from a hamstring injury. After a slow start, Mills would lead the offense on a quick scoring drive to end the half with a 1-yard pass to Anthony Miller, but kicker Joey Slye missed the extra point. The offense would continue to be inconsistent throughout the 2nd half, with Mills constantly being pressured by Carolina's defense.

Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

Week 4: Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans00000
Bills7932140

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

The Texans committed five turnovers, with quarterback Davis Mills throwing four interceptions and tight end Jordan Akins losing a fumble and only had 109 yards of total offense. The Texans were shutout for the first time since 2016. The 40 point loss is also the largest in franchise history. [16]

Week 5: vs. New England Patriots

Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Patriots0961025
Texans697022

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

The Texans had a 22–9 lead early in the 3rd quarter, but the Patriots would score 16 unanswered points, including Nick Folk's game-winning field goal with 17 seconds left in the 4th. Houston kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn missed two extra point attempts and a 56-yard field goal.

Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 6: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans03003
Colts7314731

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

Week 7: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 7: Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans23005
Cardinals0177731

at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

With the loss, the Texans' dropped to 1–6, losing their sixth game in a row. Following the game, head coach David Culley announced that quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a hamstring injury in week 2, would be returning to practice during the week. [17]

Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 8: Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rams71714038
Texans0002222

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Week 9: at Miami Dolphins

Week 9: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans06039
Dolphins7100017

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,232
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 11: at Tennessee Titans

Week 11: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans397322
Titans006713

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 56 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,395
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Houston only had 190 yards of total offense compared to Tennessee's 420, but the Titans turned the ball over five times during the game and turned it over on downs twice. Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw four interceptions, three of which happened in Houston territory. During a punt return, Chester Rogers muffed a punt that was recovered by Tremon Smith for Houston at the Tennessee 5-yard line.

Week 12: vs. New York Jets

Week 12: New York Jets at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Jets387321
Texans0140014

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,120
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Amanda Balionis
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts7771031
Texans00000

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,291
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was benched in the third quarter in favor of rookie Davis Mills. Taylor finished 5-of-13 for 45 yards with an interception. [6] With the loss, the Texans were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. This loss also marked the first time in franchise history the Texans were shut out at home during the regular season, and their second home shutout loss after their 30–0 Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2015 season. [18]

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks10631433
Texans760013

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Clear, 55 °F (13 °C) (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 67,610
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

At the end of the first half, kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn made a 61-yard field goal, setting a franchise record for longest field goal made. [19]

Week 15: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 15: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans1463730
Jaguars373316

at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,252
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the win, the Texans swept the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fourth season in a row. This was also the first victory for rookie quarterback Davis Mills.

Week 16: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 16: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers6631429
Texans71002441

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,674
  • Referee: Clay Martin
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Houston Texans hosted the Los Angeles Chargers for the penultimate home game of the season, with both teams missing several players due to the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. The game was close for the first three quarters, but a 24-point fourth quarter by the Texans put the game out of reach for the Chargers, including scoring 14 unanswered points in under a minute. Running back Rex Burkhead finished the game with a career high 149 rushing yards, the most by a Texans' running back since Carlos Hyde in week 9 of the 2019 season. [20] With the win, the Texans improved to 4–11, matching their win total from the previous season.

Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 17: Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Texans07007
49ers0371323

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Clear, 64 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 71,612
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 18: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 18: Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Titans0210728
Texans00101525

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: January 9
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 66,722
  • Referee: Land Clark
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Standings

Division

AFC South
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(1) Tennessee Titans 1250.7065–18–4419354W3
Indianapolis Colts 980.5293–37–5451365L2
Houston Texans 4130.2353–34–8280452L2
Jacksonville Jaguars 3140.1761–53–9253457W1

Conference

AFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division winners
1 [lower-alpha 1] Tennessee Titans South1250.7065–18–4.472.480W3
2 [lower-alpha 1] Kansas City Chiefs West1250.7065–17–5.538.517W1
3 Buffalo Bills East1160.6475–17–5.472.428W4
4 Cincinnati Bengals North1070.5884–28–4.472.462L1
Wild cards
5 [lower-alpha 2] Las Vegas Raiders West1070.5883–38–4.510.515W4
6 [lower-alpha 2] New England Patriots East1070.5883–38–4.481.394L1
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North971.5594–27–5.521.490W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
8 [lower-alpha 3] Indianapolis Colts South980.5293–37–5.495.431L2
9 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] Miami Dolphins East980.5294–26–6.464.379W1
10 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] Los Angeles Chargers West980.5293–36–6.510.500L1
11 [lower-alpha 5] Cleveland Browns North890.4713–35–7.514.415W1
12 [lower-alpha 5] Baltimore Ravens North890.4711–55–7.531.460L6
13 Denver Broncos West7100.4121–53–9.484.357L4
14 [lower-alpha 6] New York Jets East4130.2350–64–8.512.426L2
15 [lower-alpha 6] Houston Texans South4130.2353–34–8.498.397L2
16 Jacksonville Jaguars South3140.1761–53–9.512.569W1
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 7]
  1. 1 2 Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 Las Vegas finished ahead of New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis).
  3. 1 2 3 Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6).
  4. 1 2 Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants).
  5. 1 2 Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5).
  6. 1 2 NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  7. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Statistics

Team

CategoryTotal yardsYards per gameNFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense3,305194.428th
Rushing offense1,42283.632nd
Total offense [21] 4,727278.132nd
Passing defense4,409259.423rd
Rushing defense2,351138.331st
Total defense [22] 6,760397.631st

Individual

CategoryPlayerTotal
Offense
Passing yards Davis Mills 2,664
Passing touchdownsDavis Mills16
Rushing yards Rex Burkhead 427
Rushing touchdowns Tyrod Taylor
Rex Burkhead		3
Receiving yards Brandin Cooks 1,037
Receiving touchdownsBrandin Cooks6
Defense
Tackles (Solo) Kamu Grugier-Hill 71
Sacks Jonathan Greenard 8
Interceptions Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Desmond King 		3

Source: [23]

Notes

  1. ↑ The record was later broken in 2023 by C. J. Stroud.

See also

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The 2014 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 13th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach Bill O'Brien. Despite missing the playoffs for the second season in a row, the Texans greatly improved upon their 2–14 record from 2013, finishing 9–7. As of 2021, this represents the greatest single-season turnaround for the Texans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Kansas City Chiefs season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 46th in the National Football League (NFL), their 56th overall and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Andy Reid and John Dorsey. The Chiefs went through a poor start in their first six games as they were 1–5, and lost their star running back, Jamaal Charles, to a torn ACL in his right knee during an 18–17 Week 5 loss at home against the Chicago Bears. In week 16, after their ninth consecutive victory and the Baltimore Ravens defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs clinched a playoff berth, their second in three years. They are the first team since the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals to start the season 1–5 and qualify for the playoffs. They also set the franchise record for the most consecutive victories, winning 10 in a row. In their Wild Card matchup, the Chiefs were set up to play against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs shutout the Texans 30–0 to earn their first playoff win in 22 years, ending what was at the time, until the Bengals broke the record the night the Chiefs won, an NFL record for consecutive playoff losses. The shutout was the Chiefs first ever playoff shutout and remains, as of the 2022–23 playoffs, the most recent playoff shutout in the NFL. The following week, they were defeated by the New England Patriots in the divisional round 27–20.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 season was the New Orleans Saints' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 40th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their ninth under head coach Sean Payton. On November 16, 2015, the Saints hired Dennis Allen to replace fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, the Saints still missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Saints set a new league record for the most passing touchdowns allowed with 45.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Houston Texans season</span> 15th season in franchise history

The 2016 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 15th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the third under head coach Bill O'Brien. The Texans' attempt to make history as the first team to play the Super Bowl on their home field, NRG Stadium, was thwarted in the second round of the 2016–17 NFL playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots.

The 2016 season was the Tennessee Titans franchise's 47th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 57th overall. It also marked the franchise's 20th season in the state of Tennessee as well as the first full season under head coach Mike Mularkey, who served as the team's interim head coach for the last nine games of the 2015 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 58th season in franchise history

The 2017 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 58th in the National Football League (NFL), their 29th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 9th playing their home games at AT&T Stadium, and their 7th full season under head coach Jason Garrett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Houston Texans season</span> 16th season in franchise history; last full one under ownership of Bob McNair

The 2017 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fourth under head coach Bill O'Brien. With the Texans' loss at the Titans in Week 13, Houston exceeded their loss total (7) from 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Texans clinched their first losing season since 2013, and finished in last place in the AFC South for the first time since 2013. The Texans also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Houston Texans season</span> 17th season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Houston Texans' 17th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coach Bill O'Brien. This marked the first season since 2005 that Rick Smith would not be the general manager as he took a leave of absence for family reasons. Despite an 0–3 start, their first in a decade, the Texans surpassed their win total from the previous season with a Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins. They had a franchise record 9 consecutive wins that also broke the NFL record for most consecutive wins after starting 0–3. The streak ended with a Week 14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With a Week 15 win over the New York Jets, the Texans clinched their first 10-win season under head coach Bill O’Brien, their first 10-win season since 2012 and their third 10-win season in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Tennessee Titans season</span> 59th season in franchise history

The 2018 Tennessee Titans season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 59th overall. It also marked the franchise's 22nd season in the state of Tennessee, their first under head coach Mike Vrabel, and the first with new uniforms and blue helmets, as they have worn white helmets since the club was based in Houston, Texas. This season marked the third of four straight in which the Titans finished 9–7. The Titans failed to qualify for the postseason after losing a Week 17 win-and-in contest against their division rival Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Houston Texans season</span> 18th season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the Houston Texans' 18th in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth under head coach Bill O'Brien. It also marked the first full season without the ownership of Bob McNair, who died during the 2018 season. It was, however, the first season of full ownership of both Janice McNair and D. Cal McNair. For the first time in franchise history, the team played in London, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On June 7, 2019, the Texans fired general manager Brian Gaine after only one season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Houston Texans season</span> 19th season in franchise history; final one under Bill OBrien

The 2020 season was the Houston Texans' 19th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their seventh and final season under head coach Bill O'Brien. Following their week 10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, they failed to match/improve their 10–6 record from last year and failed to win 10 or more games for the first time since the 2017 season. They were eliminated from playoff contention after a Week 14 loss to the Chicago Bears and suffered their first losing season since 2017. This was also the first season since 2012 that DeAndre Hopkins was not on the roster, as he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason. This was the Texans' final season with Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback, as he would sit out the next season amidst sexual misconduct allegations as well as demanding to be traded. Watson's final game as a Texan was on January 2, 2021, a 38–41 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and would be traded to the Cleveland Browns a year later, on March 18, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Houston Texans season</span> 21st season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Houston Texans' 21st in the National Football League (NFL) and their only season under Lovie Smith, following the firing of David Culley at the end of the 2021 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Tennessee Titans season</span> 63rd season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Tennessee Titans' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, their 26th in the state of Tennessee and their fifth under head coach Mike Vrabel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Chicago Bears season</span> 103rd season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Chicago Bears' 103rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. They failed to improve upon their 6–11 record from the previous season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Houston Texans season</span> 22nd season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the Houston Texans' 22nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach DeMeco Ryans. While the team went into the season with low expectations as a rebuilding period and started 0–2, they not only improved on their 3–13–1 record from last year with a Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2019 with a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, ending with a 10–7 record. After the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans the day after, the Texans also clinched the AFC South for the first time since 2019. The Texans became the fifth team in NFL history to make the playoffs with both a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach, as well as making history as the first team in NFL history to win a division entirely with a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Tennessee Titans season</span> 64th season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the Tennessee Titans' 54th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 64th overall, their 27th in the state of Tennessee and their sixth and final under head coach Mike Vrabel. The Titans attempted to improve upon their underachieving 7–10 record from last year. They also attempted to make it back to the playoffs after missing them for the first time since 2018. However, after a Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans in overtime, they were eliminated from playoff contention for the second year in a row. The following week they were locked to last in the AFC South after losing to the Seattle Seahawks 20–17 in Week 16, and they failed to improve on their 7–10 record from 2022. On January 9, the Titans fired Vrabel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 New Orleans Saints season</span> 57th season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the New Orleans Saints' 57th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 48th to host games at the Caesars Superdome and the second under head coach Dennis Allen. The team improved on their 7–10 record from 2022, but missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season. The Saints finished tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division title, as well as in a three-way tie with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks for the last Wild Card spot; however, the Saints lost both tiebreakers.

References

  1. ↑ Mather, Victor (February 12, 2021). "Texans Release J. J. Watt After He Asks to Leave". The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  2. ↑ "AP Source: QB Watson requests trade from Houston Texans". AP NEWS. April 21, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  3. 1 2 McClain, John (September 3, 2021). "Mailbag: Are Texans setting precedent with handling of Deshaun Watson?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Texans' Deshaun Watson: Ruled out for Week 17". CBSSports.com. January 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  5. ↑ Edwards, Josh (September 19, 2021). "Texans rookie Davis Mills relieves injured Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) to start second half vs. Browns". CBSSports . Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  6. 1 2 DeArdo, Bryan (December 5, 2021). "Texans bench Tyrod Taylor for Davis Mills during Houston's Week 13 game against the Colts". CBS Sports . Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Houston Texans turn from Tyrod Taylor to Davis Mills at quarterback". ESPN.com. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  8. ↑ Sidhu, Deepi (January 9, 2022). "with 11 starts under his belt, Houston Texans QB Davis Mills has now solidified himself as the leading rookie passer in franchise history with 2,664 yards". Houston Texans. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Statements from the Houston Texans". Houston Texans. January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Houston Texans fire head coach David Culley after one season". NFL.com . January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  11. ↑ Rapien, James (March 18, 2022). "Deshaun Watson is Headed to the Browns". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Houston Texans Hire Nick Caserio as General Manager". HoustonTexans.com. January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  13. ↑ Dubin, Jared (August 28, 2021). "LOOK: Texans safety Justin Reid does opening kickoff in 2021 preseason game with Ka'imi Fairbairn injured". CBSSports . Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Brady throws touchdown pass as Buccaneers beat Texans 23–16". ESPN. August 28, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  15. ↑ Walker, Patrik (September 19, 2021). "NFL key injuries suffered in Week 2 games: Tua Tagovailoa, Tyrod Taylor among those on long, brutal list". CBSSports . Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  16. ↑ Barshop, Sarah (October 3, 2021). "Blowout loss to Bills 'embarrassing' for Texans". ESPN . Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  17. ↑ Barshop, Sarah (October 24, 2021). "Tyrod Taylor to return to Houston Texans practice this week as QB 'getting closer' to playing". ESPN . Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  18. ↑ Rajan, Greg (December 5, 2021). "Colts hand woeful Texans first regular-season shutout at home" . Houston Chronicle . Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  19. ↑ Hamm, Timm (December 12, 2021). "Texans Trail Seahawks At Half; Ka'imi Fairbairn Kicks Record-Setter". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  20. ↑ Barshop, Sarah (December 27, 2021). "Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans' running game break through to aid rookie QB Davis Mills". ESPN . Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  21. ↑ "2021 NFL Team Total Offense Stats". ESPN. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  22. ↑ "2021 NFL Team Total Defense Stats". ESPN. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  23. ↑ "2021 Texans Statistics". Houston Texans . Retrieved March 20, 2022.
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