Texans defeat Cardinals 40-20; Stroud, Jordan shine in sixth straight win

The Houston Texans secured a decisive 40-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, marking their sixth consecutive win and solidifying their playoff hopes.

Why it matters: This win dramatically shifts the narrative for a Texans team that began the season with three straight losses. Now sitting at 9-5, they are a formidable contender in the AFC South, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars by just one game.

• The Texans impressive turnaround underscores their resilience and growth under head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has cultivated a winning culture since taking over.
• With this victory, the Texans have also positioned themselves as one of the leading defenses in the league.

What’s new: Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns, further establishing himself as a key player in the Texans' offense.

• Stroud's execution was pivotal; he effectively managed the game and showcased an ability to read defenses pre-snap, a skill praised by Coach Ryans.
• His poised leadership is critical as the Texans gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.

By the numbers: The statistics from this game highlight significant achievements and milestones.

• Jawhar Jordan, called up from the practice squad, rushed for 101 yards in his NFL debut, making him the first player since Elijah Mitchell in 2021 to debut with over 100 rushing yards.
• In addition, the Texans' defense continues to shine, ranking first in the NFL with an average of only 16.2 points allowed per game.

What to watch: As the Texans continue their push toward the playoffs, their ability to maintain momentum will be crucial.

• The status of running back Woody Marks, who suffered a foot injury during the game, remains uncertain as the team prepares for upcoming matchups.
• Stroud's continued development will be under close scrutiny, especially given the increased stakes of late-season play.

Yes, but: Despite their recent success, DeMeco Ryans acknowledges there is room for improvement.

• He noted that the defense "left a lot of plays out there," emphasizing the team's commitment to maintaining high standards.
• The challenge will be balancing ambition with execution as they face tougher competition in the weeks ahead.

The bottom line: The Texans are on a roll, but sustaining this level of play will require consistent effort from both the offense and defense as they aim for a postseason berth.

• Their ability to adapt and overcome, particularly with emerging players like Jordan stepping up, could make a significant difference in their playoff aspirations.
• With the season drawing to a close, every game will carry added weight for a franchise eager to return to prominence in the NFL.