In order to achieve that ultimate goal, Houston will need Stroud to be much better in 2026 than he was on that awful day in Foxborough. It is not difficult to visualize; all the Texans have to do is turn on the 2023 tape to remind themselves of Stroud’s potential.
It might also suit the Texans to surround Stroud with more favorable conditions. So far, they’ve made efforts in that department, adding quarterback David Montgomery and tight ends Foster Moreau and Marlin Klein with one goal in mind: Establish a more effective game down the field.
That element was missing from Houston’s offense last season, placing an inordinate amount of responsibility on Stroud’s shoulders and slowing down the Texans’ offense. They aim to avoid a repeat performance in 2026, starting with Caley’s approach.
“You always want balance and every game is a little bit different,” Caley said. “I think we found a way to balance it out as the season went on. So finding a way to do that. And balance isn’t necessarily a 50-50 pass rush ratio, but it’s also the use of different players.”
With the aforementioned additions more in line with what Caley wants to do with the offense, the Texans should start 2026 in a manner more similar to how they did during the 2025 season. As the league moves toward relying more on 12 and 13 personnel — groups that include two or three Texans will be able to keep up the momentum and thanks to the Texans. Moreau, Klein and Brevin Jordan, who is returning from injury.
“You can get bigger on the edges,” Caley said. “You can deploy different types of blocking schemes with different surfaces you’re attacking. Tight ends are an extension of the offensive line. We can get strong, we can control the edges, that’s always going to help.”
So will the presence of another competent, healthy back. The injury-related loss of Joe Mixon severely hampered Houston throughout the 2025 season. Montgomery’s arrival should stem the tide that decimated Houston’s offense early last year.
Ultimately, however, Houston’s offensive potential will come down to Caley performing his duties. If he can succeed, so will Stroud, who needs a strong season to prove he can be Houston’s quarterback.
Fortunately, the era of optimism has also permeated Houston’s construction.
“All those reps are invaluable, not just for the players, but for the coaches as well,” Caley said. “Starts with me. I’ve had a good spring, continue to get better, continue to be hungry and continue to roll and grow through training camp. To me, it’s no different than what we tell the players — it’s just to keep working at it and being honest with yourself along the way.”
Caley will have no choice but to be honest with herself. Plenty of jobs depend on it.