Amid all the Super Bowl buzz in Houston, DeMeco Ryans isn’t ignoring the real issue: the offensive line. CJ Stroud was sacked 52 times last season—second-most in the NFL—and pressured on a league-high 38.6% of his dropbacks. Ryans didn’t sugarcoat it. He believed they had the talent, but Stroud has to stay upright if they’re going to contend. For Houston, the road to February starts in the trenches. That pressure rate isn’t a minor concern—it’s a warning light flashing in a championship window.

Despite the hype, Houston’s offense still hinges on Nico Collins. The 26-year-old enters 2025 as the clear WR1. But it’s not just about talent or opportunity—it’s a high-stakes situation. With a rebuilt receiving corps, shaky protection, and a quarterback constantly under fire, Collins is being asked to carry more than ever.

On his podcast, NFL insider Aaron Wilson presented a reality check. In complimenting Collins’ growth, he noted that the offensive setup around him is still precarious: “He’s taking over the offense—and that comes with challenges,” Wilson said. The biggest question? The Texans still don’t have a single “stud” on the front. With Stefon Diggs now departed and Tank Dell nursing an injury, the spotlight on Collins shines bright and blinding.

Wilson noted that unless the offensive line makes major strides from last season, Nico Collins won’t have the space or time to operate like a true WR1. Houston’s line ranked in the bottom third in pass-block win rate. If defenses start doubling Collins and dare the rest of the receiving corps to step up, things could unravel quickly.

Collins’s 2024 season was no fluke. Despite missing time, he posted 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 12 games, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He was one of the league’s most efficient receivers and a go-to target for CJ Stroud in clutch moments. With Stefon Diggs gone, Tank Dell sidelined by injury, and Christian Kirk still finding his role, Collins isn’t just Houston’s top receiver—he’s the emotional anchor of the passing game.

DeMeco Ryans’ O-line crisis

While Nico Collins’s rise has grabbed headlines, DeMeco Ryans is focused on a more pressing issue: the offensive line. Despite the Texans’ surprise playoff run, protection remained a persistent problem. ESPN Analytics ranked the line 23rd in pass-block win rate, and Houston finished 21st in rushing yards per game with just 96.9. The line struggled to both protect Stroud and establish a consistent ground game. 

The ripple effect was significant. Stroud was hurried on 34.8% of his dropbacks, often scrambling before reaching his first read. That disrupted timing routes and neutralized play-action. Even when Collins found separation downfield, Stroud didn’t always have time to deliver the throw. The Texans converted just 52.1% of their third-and-short situations—25th in the league—highlighting their struggles with basic execution in critical moments.

To address the issue, DeMeco Ryans and O-line coach Cole Popovich added rookie guard Javion Cohen and a few veteran backups. But the line still lacks a true anchor—someone who can stabilize the unit. For Ryans, a defensive mastermind known for dismantling offenses, watching his own offense collapse from within is a bitter pill. The longer the offensive line remains a liability, the more likely Houston is to repeat the same problems: Stroud on the run, Collins blanketed, and stalled scoring drives.

Collins has proven he’s more than just a talented receiver—he’s become a young leader. But his impact now goes beyond stats. It’s about toughness and adaptability in the face of constant pressure and defensive focus. Meanwhile, Ryans faces his biggest test. The defense is playoff-ready, Stroud is battle-tested, and Collins is stepping up. But if the offensive line doesn’t improve, the whole system risks collapse. Even elite playmakers can’t overcome persistent breakdowns up front.

Analyst McKoy put it plainly: “Defensively, it looks like a Super Bowl team to me. But I still think you go back to the offensive side, man. Everything about this team, in my opinion, points toward the offense.” He’s right. The Texans have the pieces: a franchise quarterback, a rising WR1, and a defense that can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. But until the offensive line comes together, the burden on Collins won’t ease—and Houston’s ceiling will stay capped. If the protection holds, they could be a powerhouse. If not, 2025 might look a lot like last year—full of potential, but falling short.