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The Houston Texans demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2023 despite enduring years of turmoil and strife. Under the leadership of new head coach DeMeco Ryans, they welcomed a franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a formidable edge rusher in Will Anderson Jr., both of whom were selected with back-to-back picks.
The only thing Houston needed heading into the season was surpassing the win total of three games from 2022.
The Texans' success was measured in their achievements on the field and in the recognition of how they carried themselves away from it. They not only surpassed the previous season's victory total of three wins but also clinched the AFC South and won a playoff game on Wild Card Weekend.
Their triumph was further underscored at NFL Honors, where Stroud was crowned Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Anderson earned the same accolade on the defensive side of the ball.
For those of you keeping score, the Texans did more than prove themselves. They shattered the "Toxic Franchise" label that had dogged them through their hardships, including a quarterback facing criminal charges and a revolving door at the head coaching position. Their redemption was a testament to their resilience and determination.
On Wednesday, the NFL rewarded Houston for its diligence in overcoming adversity by giving it six nationally televised games this upcoming season, marking the most in franchise history as their first-place schedule was released.
The Texans were the only division winner not scheduled to play in a primetime game in 2023. That changed when they traveled to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 18, with playoff implications on the line. The Colts will have an opportunity to get some revenge on the Texans for keeping them out of the playoffs last season when they match up in the season opener back in Indianapolis.
Houston's primetime schedule will start in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football games at NRG Stadium. The Texans get some relief from the NFL schedule makers when they play six consecutive games that start at noon central. Still, after that, they head into what many have considered a gauntlet with three consecutive primetime matchups.
In Week 9, the Texans will travel to Met Life Stadium to take on the New York Jets as they appear on Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football. Week 10 brings about a difficult matchup with the NFC North Division Champions, Detroit Lions, for their second Sunday Night Football game of the season at home. In Week 11, they will travel up 45-North to play the Dallas Cowboys on ESPN's Monday Night Football.
Week 16 also presents a tough challenge so late in the season for the Texans as they travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the NFL Champions, Kansas City Chiefs Saturday at noon on NBC.
Four days later, Houston's final primetime game will be against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 on Christmas Day on Netflix. The Texans will be part of history as it will be the streaming service's first time showing games live.
"I think our guys have earned the right to get more nationally televised games," said coach Ryans at a Texans charity event in May. "We've shown that we've been a good team this past year, and we are looking forward to continuing what we've done, but our guys have to go and earn it again this year. I think they have earned the right for more viewers to watch them."
Many will attribute Houston's nationally televised games to their surprisingly outstanding 2023 season. Still, most of the credit should go to general manager Nick Caserio, who added talent to the team this past offseason and players with name recognition.
They acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon via trade to help improve the offensive side of the ball. Coach Ryans also received defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and defensive tackle Denico Autry as tools on defense.
In April, Caserio told reporters that Houston had become a destination that players wanted to be in, and that didn't start with him but with coach Ryans.
"Honestly, it starts with the head coach," said Caserio. "Look, I'm biased – but he [DeMeco Ryans] is one of the best coaches in the league. I think players, people want to be around like-minded people with the right mindset that prioritize winning.
"I think what we've tried to do is create an environment where people come here and be themselves. We're not trying to force-feed anybody into being something they're not. Come in here and just be yourself."