Texans Playbook | Six Straight and Counting | Raiders Week at NRG Stadium

Texans Playbook | Six Straight and Counting | Raiders Week at NRG Stadium

Hello Texans and welcome to Texans Playbook. I’m your host Mark Vandermir once again coming your way from the Texans team shop during our unofficial holiday special. This place is awesome where you can buy all your holiday gifts here at the Texans team shop. So check it out and check out your Texans in action Sunday against the Raiders at NRG Stadium. Later start time than usual. 3:25 p.m. Sunday. Now, the Texans are coming off a huge win over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend. But let’s backtrack. During this six-game winning streak, there have been so many moments and so many of them captured in Iron Sharpens Iron, our Emmy award-winning digital video series. >> Y’all have a show. Y’all can do whatever y’all want. >> Oh, sir. They told me y’all two was the ones I needed to come talk to. >> Yeah, that’s what they told. >> That’s what they said. >> That’s what they said. They said y’all done came in here, caused a lot of trouble, became best friends. Talk about y’all aggression and y’all y’all mentality and how how locked in y’all are on game day. >> I would say it’s it starts in the meeting room. Like, you know, whenever we whenever we go in the meeting room, you could just see how everyone is just so locked in. Like from Dline to the linebackers to the DBs, everyone wants to go out there and make a play. So it’s easy to go out there whenever whenever you have guys like him. I’m playing with Sting, Will, Denil, Ziz. I mean, everyone, just everyone wants to go out there and make a play. So whenever you know that everyone is locked in, you know that the guy next to you is locked in, it makes you want to go out there and go harder. So it’s just it’s easy to go out there and have fun. >> Mark the ball at the 25 yd line. Allen under center with three receivers to his right. J Cook in the back field. >> Need a stop on this possession. >> Four men up front for Houston, but everybody close to the box here. Allen digs in. He’s going to throw. Allen fires downfield and tipped and intercepted across the 40. Pull up >> with the Bills just brings to the table. We knew it was going to be a dog fight. You know, the Bills talented team. And for defense, the stop Josh Allen. It was just, you know, good pressure on them. Let the front end work in the back end, we going to be sticky and trusting everybody to do their job. And when we do our job, we go out there, we make the plays that we did. 43 yd kick coming up here for Fairb Baron. Here’s the snap and the spot. Emy’s kick up and good. Fair hits three more and the Texans extend their lead 13-9 over Buffalo with a minute 56 to go in the half. >> Battle Red Thursday night game rocking. Fans was there. I think it’s like a big shout out to the fans because it just gets us in tune because it just gives us more juice and more energy knowing that they got juicy energy as well too. >> Davis gets the snap. Davis stepping to his right. Davis looking and passing and hitting Kirk. 30 25 cutting left. 20 15 10 left sideline. Dragged out of bounds inside the 10. First and goal Houston. Second and goal at the eight. Here’s the snap from Andrews. Davis looking. Davis passing to the end zone. Caught. Touchdown Houston. The Texans are back in front of Buffalo with 5 seconds to go in the second quarter. >> Nice job getting organized. >> Going into the game, we talked about Hunt more than we talked about all year. Like empty the tank, like crawl off the field. And I feel like we took that message literal. Like especially as a Dline, like man, we like whatever it takes to get Josh Allen down. Whatever you have left, man, empty the tank. Allen on third and six to throw. Allen pocket collapsing. Allen escapes a sack. Allen backing up now. Sliding to the left side. Can’t square up and he’s all the way deep in the back field. He’s finally brought down at the 24 yd LINE BY WILL ANDERSON JR. THE TERMINATOR. >> AS A LEADER on this defense, man, like it’s been a blessing to one even just be considered a leader on this defense. Full of alpha dogs. >> Allen looking. Pocket collapsing. Allen escaping. And now he’s finally sacked. Denal Hunter brings down Josh Allen. Fourth down. >> If it’s not one side, it’s the other. And that’s what makes this defense so beautiful. >> Everybody got to do their thing. So, it’s just beautiful to see that. Everybody really just hunting and just humming to the ball every time. >> Josh Allen is in the gun on third and three from the Bills 15. >> Here come the Texans. They’re going to blitz here. >> Here’s the snap on third and three. Allen to throw. Allen over the middle and caught. First down then dropped. It’s a fumble. Texans have it and Reed takes it to the 23 yd line. A catch and cough up. Another takeaway for the Houston Texans. >> It just speaks volume to the type of defense and standard that we have for ourselves, man. It’s like there’s a gazelle out there. Everybody want a piece of the gazelle. >> And right now you’re hoping another field goal. 26-yd attempt. Here’s the hold by Tommy. Beanie’s kick is up and good. Fourth quarter about to get started here at NRG Stadium on Battle Red Night. 2316. The Texans lead the Buffalo Bills who have the ball in a second and 17 at their 27. The reason why it’s such a long distance is because Henry to came up with a sack on first down. One of four in the game for the Texans, but they got to keep it up. 15 minutes to go. >> Talk to me about everything you you think about and how you approach this game. >> You know, coming into this year, we we wanted to make a lot more plays. We knew there was a lot more plays out there to be made. >> Offside eye formation. Fourth and one at the Houston 23. Allen takes the snap. HERE’S COOK. >> COOK IS NOT GOING TO GET THERE. BACKFIELD BLAST. THE TEXANS GET A TURNOVER ON DOWNS. >> We want to take that next level in our game. So, just us training together, we it it makes us closer cuz we’re with each other every single day. So, you know, we we feed off each other. I see him make a play, I’m happy. It’s like I just made the play. He see me make a play, he happy. So, that just it just it helps us a lot out there on the field with each other. for Prader. Two decades in the league. Snap is down. The kick is up and he makes it. Texans still leading 2319. 544 to go in the fourth. >> Going to last drive the defense just had the mindset of you know this game is on us. >> Second down and 10. Bills from their 47. Allen to throw. Allen stepping up. He’s got too much time. Now he’s in trouble. Allen is going to go down to Neil Hunter. A deep sack. The Bills have to burn a timeout and it’s third and long. We got to go get a stop for us to win this game. And you know, we like that pressure being on us cuz we feel we the best defense in the league. >> Here’s the snap. Pressure right up the middle. Allen flagged down. ALLEN SACKED AGAIN at the 30 yd line. >> Our mindset wasn’t the game was over. Once they got that big play, it was, you know, let’s let’s reboot and let’s let’s let’s stay at it. Let’s let’s get a stop. We still could get a stop and get off this field and win this game. >> Fourth down and six at the Houston 22 yd line. Allen back to throw. Allen airing it out. Allen picked OFF BY BLOCK. IT’S OVER. THE TEXANS ARE GOING TO DO IT. 18 seconds left. Mills takes a knee. And it’s over. A monumental performance by the Houston defense in the second half. Carries the Texans to victory. A battle red game to remember as Houston has a winning record six and five following a 2319 victory over the Buffalo Bills. >> Hey guys, AND WE TALKED ABOUT MAN, WE talked about we were going on a hunt. >> All right. And this one guy, he hunted >> all night, >> right? We talked about Dino did outstanding job talking about how we need TO TAKE THE BALL >> and how that changed the game. We got a guy right now who TOOK IT AWAY THREE TIMES. >> THREE TIMES. ALL RIGHT. And man, BEST GAME I SEEN. KAYLIN, COME ON DOWN. >> HEY, MAN. HEY, we Hey, that was Hey, we were plus three in the turnover battle and you took three, man. It doesn’t get any BETTER THAN THAT. >> WAY TO SHOW UP. WAY TO SHOW OUT. WAY TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT THE HOUSTON Texan football IS ALL ABOUT. ALL RIGHT, DAVIS AGAIN. OUTSTANDING JOB OF LEADING US, MAN. OUTSTANDING JOB OF LEADING. >> HEY, love you boys, man. Love you guys. Way to work, man. Now we get a breather. >> Time to get time to rest a little bit. I SEE YOU GUYS ON MONDAY, TEXAS. >> Definitely having a quick turnaround is never easy. Um, but like I think the main part of going into like a Sunday to Thursday game is definitely getting your body ready, getting your body back. Recovery is everything. To do what you love, you got to take care of your body. You know, we put our body through so much. >> It’s a wonderful thing to to just go out and execute the way you want to when you take care of your body. You need that recovery for everything, you know. So, you go out and just be the best version of yourself every day. >> To be the best, I think you have to recover the best as well. Lad and his group are phenomenal at at setting us up and getting us exactly what we need and telling us why it’s helping our body. >> All right, my name is Lad Harris, director of team wellness for the Houston Texans with my eighth season with the team. Here today to give you a quick tour of the Texans Recovery Center. We’re going to get started here. It really is important to have a space dedicated to recovery for players here in the stadium. The players have a lot of different places that they are in the building across the course of a day, but they really don’t have anywhere else that wasn’t football. >> Obviously, after practice, you can just go in straight to the recovery room and really just get all that you need. And I think the Texans really care about their players and really care about their health and mental health as well. Just having all the resources here that most places don’t have, it’s really a blessing to have those resources. >> One of the first spaces that we have is our shift wave room. is curated to use multi-ensory inputs to really try to help shift the body into a more of a recovery state. Dry float therapy is a really powerful way to create a state of deep relaxation in the body. So essentially the player is going to be lowered into a warm water bed. And when we pair that with the other multiensory lighting and audio um aspects of the room, really takes that space to another level in terms of letting the body shift into that recovery state, that parasympathetic state and start that recovery process in a relaxed state. You’re better able to digest the food that you may have just eaten or take advantage of some of the manual therapy that you just got done in the athletic training room. So, a lot of the stuff that we have over here we view as complimentary to everything else that they’re doing from a recovery standpoint. >> Next on Texans Playbook, more iron sharpens iron. Relion is the home of free electricity, so your home can be the home of epic bedtime stories. The Flex Your Credits electricity plan gives your two highs stays free every week automatically, plus $200 in bill credits. And when you have Reliant and Vivant, they’re smarter together, giving you the power to manage your electricity and your smart home all in one place. Live happily ever after with the Flex Your Credits electricity plan from Reliant. Proud partners of the Houston Texans. Welcome to Caesar’s Rewards. Worldclass dining. Iconic entertainment. Over 50 epic destinations and endless benefits your way. Caesar’s Rewards. Your empire awaits. This isn’t just a game. It’s a movement. A bond forged on the field and in the trenches. We hustle. We fight. We win together. This isn’t just a sport. It’s a passion. A place where we find our voice and redefine what it means to be an athlete. We are not just here to play. We are here to inspire the next generation. She’s next. >> Woodcraft and their dedicated AMA business banker work together to put the us in business banking, creating a long-lasting relationship with open and quick communication. Now it’s your turn with your own dedicated ammoy business banker with banking experience in your industry. Because you’re more than a customer, we’re more than a bank. And together, we’ll work to help put your business on solid financial footing with comprehensive financing options, earned interest on your accounts, and yes, the support you need to reach your business goals faster. Here, we collaborate. Here you grow. We believe in possibilities at Texas Children’s. As the nation’s largest women’s and pediatric healthcare system, we believe that all lives can be changed for the better. For every cure found, we’re dedicated to finding another. For every life changed, we’re determined it isn’t the last one. By doing things differently, we deliver the impossible for the benefit of the world. Texas Children’s. The difference is lifechanging. Texans Playbook is presented by your Houston area Ford dealers. Ford is the best in Texas, and by Mattress Firm, the official sleep partner of the Houston Texans. Right back into the fray here on Texans Playbook with the Texans taking on the Raiders on Sunday. And let’s get right back into Iron Sharpens Iron and check out how some of this sixgame winning streak transpired. It is just about turkey time. And this morning, the Houston Texans wanted to spread some of the cheer by helping out those in need this holiday season. At the turkey time with the Texans event presented by Kroger at NRD Park this morning, a lot of the players helped distribute more than 1,000 meals to those in need. And they shared what it means to them to give back. >> Happy Thanksgiving. How are you? >> Happy Thanksgiving, my boy. appreciate you. >> Being able to give back to the community of Houston, it it means everything to me. I come from a family where we had to earn everything. It wasn’t an easy upbringing and to be able to have the opportunity to give back to families that was raised just like mine. Um it’s a beautiful thing just to see how much people came out. The beautiful thing how the McNary had, you know, thousands of turkeys, sodas, like that’s what it’s all about. You know, being in position to be able to see people, put smiles on people’s faces. That’s what I love to see. And And it was a beautiful thing for sure. >> And they says, “You taking him with you?” >> All right. >> I’ll be the truck guy. I’ll be the truck guy. >> Yeah. I’ll be the truck guy. Happy Thanksgiving, brother. >> Being able to see people of us like sacrificing our time and being with them was like definitely one of those things cuz you could just see it in people’s faces how much that moment meant to them and and that whole turkey drive was was huge for them. So, I think that was a big part for me. >> I feel like our mindset is always the same. Like, we’re trying to go one and0 like we’re trying to win the game, win the day, and when we approach that, I feel like coach Deo had a great message for us, like give it all you got, empty the tank. And we knew what was on the line. Um, but like I feel like the team and the kind of guys we got in our room, we we do that every single time. like we go out and die for each other. No matter who lines up against us, no matter who it is, like they’re going to know what this Texas brand of football is all about. >> Huge game, Texans and Colts. The 47th meeting. >> So, the Colts have the ball with decent field position. 1412 to go. Second quarter. Texans up three nothing. A good start for the Texans on defense. The Colts have just one first down in this game. Yeah, expect the Colts here, Mark, to go back to the running game. They’re going to go to Jonathan Taylor a little bit more, maybe sprinkle in a screen or so, but they’re going to try to get him going on this possession. First half of the Colts from their 37. Jones with a boot out to the right. Jones throws it back. Here’s your screen to Taylor across the 40. Taylor 4550. Taylor with blockers. 40 of Houston. The 35 and he runs out of bounds at the 30 yd line. Big play to Jonathan Taylor. First down at the 19 yd line of Houston. Jones in the gun. Hand off Taylor and he gets blasted after a gain of a yard or so by Kamari Lasser meeting him in the hole. The Colts are threatening at the Houston Nine with a fourth down and less than one. 1028 to go in the second quarter on fourth and less than a yard at the Houston 9 yd line. Warren motioning around. He’s going to take the snap. The ball is out. Taylor has it, but he’s going to be stopped short. They fumbled it. Taylor got it, but he was buried by a host of Liberty White tacklers, including Derek Barnett. And the Texans have the ball. They turn back Indie >> now. Once again, it’s on the Colts defense. >> CJ Stra shotgun one back. CJ fakes the gift to Chub looking, firing downfield, and intercepted at the 41 yd line. Binham brought down right there. >> The Texans give it right back. Hutchinson the intended receiver. >> And this may be shot time for the Colts. >> Jones. FLOAT IT. END ZONE. PIERCE HAS GOT IT. Touchdown Indianapolis. Badgely for the extra point. Drills it off the upright. He doinks it. It’s the extra point missed to bring the score to 63. Colts >> Woody Marks back in the game here. The Texans down 6-3 in the second. Second and 10 in the Houston 33. Here they come. Stra quick throw. He’s got Nico and he’s down at the 49 yd line of Houston. Bum brings him down and Nico makes the pay with a 15 yd pickup. They feed Woody again. He redirects left 3530. Makes another move. And down at the 25 yd line, it’s Cross with the tackle. But Woody showing you the twitch to get the first down. >> Everybody bunched in fairly tight here. CJ fakes the give, steps to his right, looking for some room. He finds Nico at the 10 across the five to the corner. He’s got it. Oh, they’re going to stay stepped out. First and goal inside the five. Stove in motion to left. Here’s the toss to Chub. Beats a block. Chub to the outside. SHOVE TO THE GOAL LINE. TOUCHDOWN, HOUSTON. Nick Chubb. And the Texans retake the lead on Indie. >> This is a great little pin pull from the Texans offense. They get the offensive tackle around there. You see Stover leading the way and then Chub just finishes it off by putting his shoulder down and driving through the end zone for the touchdown. Here we go. >> So, the Texans defense back to work. Jones takes the snap. Hand off Taylor. And Taylor’s going to be brought down. Petri getting there along with Rankkins and Will Anderson Jr. And they stop it after about a half yard pickup. >> We knew we had to stop 28 for sure. Like he was he was definitely the huge part of their game plan. but then also like get 17 off his game. We also know like we’re the engine so like we want to be able to be physical, punch people in their mouths, get the other guys going and make those plays that that we know we can make. Indianapolis just feels like they’re having a tough time unleashing this number one option. Yeah, they’ve had little pockets here and there where they found that passing game, but they really haven’t looked completely like the Colts offense we’ve been used to seeing all year. >> We knew how much it meant to get points on the board. You know, game tied up. It was crunch time for us getting in the end zone. We um the Colts moving the ball. Um defense made a great stop and got the ball and it was a great opportunity. >> Did you think it was going to be any different? 1313 Texans and Colts. First and 10. Straoud fakes to give, backs up, fires downfield to his right, and he’s got a man, totapper, Jaden Higgins, in Colts territory at the 46 yd line. Fans on their feet here in Indie. Locked up at 13. A minute 32 to go in the third. Shotgun on third and six. Stout hangs in there, throws, and it’s on time. Schultz motioning around the back field. Stra hands off to Chub up the middle. Nick plowing across the 25 to the 24. Six-yd run. Nick Chub. Straoud takes the snap. Hand off Woody over the right side. Woody across the 15 10 down to the 8 yd line. Here we go with the tush push unit. Stove ready to take the snap. They push it forward. Two men behind Cade Stove. Do they have the sevenyd line? and it looks like he’s got it and they get the first down. First and goal at the seventh. >> Coach Kayley dialed up a great opportunity for me to get a reverse. >> CJ takes the snap and they hand it to Nico on the end around running left. >> Once I got the opportunity to get it, um I felt like Joe Mix, you know, once I seen the hole, I had to hit it. >> Nico to the GOAL LINE. HE’S GOT IT. Nico takes it in for six. >> Got in the end zone, man. It was blocked up well and um it’s great for that. And the Texans have grabbed the lead back from Indianapolis. >> What a block by Dalton Schulz on Kenny Moore. >> And you know, me and Hush always have our little celebrations and u we always say look out for the camera that’s right there coming. So um once we got in the end zone, he was like camera right there. So he seen the camera, we just waved at it. Hey, I felt like Woody King cut. You were taking your time. I wanted you to hit that damn thing. >> I I’ll see what he going to do. >> I CHAS I RAN LIKE >> HEY, WHAT YOU SAY? >> A four-point lead, 20-6. 455 to go this time. Straoud under center. No, it’s Stove again. And they tush push it forward. Do they have it? It’s close. I don’t know if they’ve got it. >> I think he’s short, Mark. >> That was huge. Texans turned it over on downs and the Colts have the rock. The Texans lead 20 to 16 with 445 to go. Fourman front for Houston. Jones feeds Taylor running right has a little room and he submarines his way across the 25 to the 28. Jones fakes the give. Jones looking downfield, firing and caught by Pierce inside the 45 and brought down by Speed at the 42. And they hand off to Taylor and he bounces it outside right. He’s got a little room. 4035 and dragged down by the feet by Bullock, but not until he picks up a first down to the 32. >> This is what this defense was built to do. Stop this team right here and win the ball game. >> First down at the Houston 32 yd line. Here’s the snap. Here’s the gift to Taylor and he’s going to be brought down along the side. Crowd goes quiet for the Colts offense. Here’s the snap. Texans try to get pressure off. Jones firing downfield. Incomplete. Here’s the intended receiver. No flags. >> Jones takes the snap. Jailbreak blitz. Here’s a throw right side and dropped by Downs. >> Fourth down and nine. Punch formation. Wide side right. Pierce to the short side left. Jones takes the snap. Jones firing downfield. Tipped and incomplete. The Colts turn it over on Downs. Houston has the ball. >> The Houston Texans number one defense comes through >> as the Texans are going to do it today. They are going to beat the Indianapolis Colts. Houston has won its fourth straight knocking off the horseshoe on the road. What a win. CJ returns and shines. And the Texans defense makes a huge stop at the moment of truth. Houston now 7 and five. It’s over in Indie. At the end of the day, man, we talked about coming here and taking what we want. Everybody, it took everybody in here. It took every second on the clock to finish this thing. BUT THAT’S WHAT IT’S ABOUT. coming and winning the divisional game versus a tough opponent. Let’s keep IT GOING EVERYBODY. GREAT JOB. Complimentary football all the way around. A lot of great things you guys did. Most important thing what we come here for is the dog. >> Coming up on Texans playbook. The head coach Dico Ryan’s in studio with us. >> It’s the year-end sales event with the Ford crew. >> It’s sales event time. >> Great time to buy Ranger Maverick. >> Ah slated and F series. America’s bestselling trucks for 48 years. Let’s light them up. >> Now that’s some holiday power. >> That’s holiday pro power on board. >> It’s like a mobile generator. Now during the final days, get 0% for 60 months with zero down and zero payments for up to 90 days on Ford F-150 plus 1,000 bonus cash at your best in Texas Ford dealer. >> Imagine you are like them. Strains happen and sniffles and sometimes who knows? That’s why Houston Methodist has primary care near you. A network of specialists right in your corner and same day clinics or virtual care at the ready so you can keep doing it all. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it for you. Houston Methodist leading medicine. >> Is your mattress giving you aches and pains? 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The way that I slide, slide. I’m the best. You know that’s right. Want to take a ride with a winner. Number one, nothing else to consider. Haters walking in. No, no. >> Well, I tell you sometime it get rough. I had to take care of myself. That’s when I bought this tractor. And when they found out I hadn’t bought me a tractor is people come from every kind of way. So when you get through with this job, I need you to come work for me. Texans fans, enter Caesar’s Viva Las Texans sweep stakes for a Vegas experience. Three nights at Caesar’s Palace, travel credit, and more. Scan the QR code and rank your favorite Caesar’s rewards by December 21st for your shot at Vegas. So great to have you watching Texans Playbook. I’m your host Mark Vandermir here from the Houston Texans team shop at NRG Stadium. People milling around shopping for holiday gifts. Great place to get some. And a great place to hear the head coach is from the Hyundai Texans radio studio, John Harris and I visited with him following the victory over the Arizona Cardinals. In studio with us now, head coach Dick Orions. Coach, congratulations. Good to see him. >> Thank you. Great to see you guys as well. >> We’ve been saying congratulations a lot lately. on a little bit of a congratulations streak after the victory over the Cardinals. And it is Raiders week. We’ll get into the Raiders, but let’s start with the game against Arizona. Coach, a lot went right. You got off to a great start and that’s important. >> Yeah. Outstanding start. I mean, how you want to start a game, that’s it right there. Come out, you know, we get the we get the huge play of CJ and Nico to go up. It’s like, oh, wow. When I when I see that play happen, it’s like, okay, we’re going to have a a really good day offensively. You don’t go, you know, your second play in the game, you score a touchdown. That’s that’s very impressive. It doesn’t happen much, but it did, I think, let our entire sideline know, let our entire stadium know that our offense was here and ready to play well. >> How much did Jamal’s hit build off of that? >> Yeah, it was I mean, one of the most important plays of the game, right? We go down and score and we’re able to get the ball right back from Scoos. huge hit and it’s one of the things we talked about in our keys to victory for our special teams which doesn’t happen much and it’s never it’s not often it’s not often that that’s a key but the key for us the first one we had was take the ball >> on special teams and we saw a couple times where they were loose their returners were loose with the football and we saw an opportunity there for us to take it away and Scoop goes down you know beats his man on the kickoff coverage and he puts his hat directly on the ball and Dar was able to scoop it up huge huge momentum shift right there for us, you know, and our offense is able to go back out and get points again. >> We believe that everybody that we keep on the 69man roster will find a way to impact the team at some point during the year. You got to be ready for your opportunity. And on Sunday, Jaw got that opportunity. When you went back and watched the film, obviously feel good about the numbers and I know he was really excited, very humble young man. What did you see when you went back and looked at the film and and how good was it to see somebody step up and take an opportunity and do what he did yesterday? what I saw from the film, he went out, he played fast, he played decisive, he wasn’t hesitant. The main thing I told him all week was make sure you’re protecting the ball because a lot of times as a running back, you haven’t been hit. Like you’ve been on practice squad, we’re not >> phys we’re not tackling guys in practice. So, how are you going to handle that first contact that you get? So, I reminded him that, hey, Jaw, make sure you understand that ball is not only your livelihood, but it’s it’s this entire organization’s livelihood. So every time you’re carrying that ball, make sure you’re aware of that. And I thought first thing first, he did a great job protecting the football. And you know, Jaw’s known that he has speed. He was slashing, making some plays, but I like some of the physical runs he had where he was, man, he was going through contact, securing the football, and he was kind of like pingpong, like bouncing off a couple defenders, making guys miss in space. So, I really like, you know, what he added to our offensive our offensive threat. Just having that dynamic speed, having the ability to cut, set up blocks. It was really cool to watch him. >> So, his nickname is Jaws. And important question here, coach, is Jaws the best nickname on the team. >> Jaws is a great great nickname. That is, it is mine for one of the best. I still think I still think Terminator is a good one as well, too. >> It’s pretty good. Now, do you tell players on the practice squad the Aryan Foster story because you were on the team when Aryan was was here. I don’t want to say that Jir is going to be Aryan, but the fact that Aryan was on the practice squad, came off the practice squad and became Aryan Foster. >> Yeah, I I haven’t told guys that story, but you know, seeing that, you know, up close and in person watching Aaron like watching Aryan and what he was able to do, you knew I knew from playing against him in college. I’m like, >> and who is like Bama against Tennessee? Yeah. >> And I think he was a freshman at the time and the way he ran the football, how physical he play, I’m like, “Oh man, that was a tough tackle. Who is this kid?” And we were able to get him here on a practice call and I knew he would be a player just from watching what he did in college and going against him. Aaron, he man, he took advantage of that and never looked back. Is he our leading rusher? >> Yes. >> In the history of the Texans, like he’s a he was an outstanding outstanding running back and hopefully other guys get to see that. Like it doesn’t matter again when you come in the league, where you come in. It’s just what do you do with the opportunity? Whether that’s undrafted, whether you’re on practice squad for a few weeks, for the entire year, like are you still working at your craft? Are you still trying to grow and be your absolute best? So when you get your opportunity, you don’t look back. And that’s what Aryan Foster did and whoever around the league or around on our team is in that spot. Hopefully they have that same mindset. Speaking of tough to tackle, Eco Collins is tough to tackle. >> Oh, yeah. >> And that changed a couple years ago, coach, when he really became a guy that really focused on getting the football in his hands and then getting vertical. He showed the speed on the first run, but he ran over a safety, almost took that one to the house. How much is that part of his game making him the receiver that he is? Because obviously receivers known for the hands, the footwork on the sideline, the body control, all that. But his has really been about the physical nature with which he runs the ball after he catches it. >> Yeah. You know, I remember watching Nico early, I think it was 2021, watching Nico where, you know, we played against him and he was more of an outside threat and he was just an ex receiver where he was just running vertical routes. And so, fast forward coming here, it’s like, how can we move him around to try to get him more opportunities to catch the ball or run? >> Nico is tall receiver, but he is strong, right? He is strong. So when he gets the ball in his hands, it’s not just, you know, a receiver who’s looking to catch and get down. Like he’s looking for that contact. He’s seeking the contact. You don’t find many receivers who have all of those things in the repertoire as as a receiver and not just pass catcher, but he’s a physical player as well. I love the way he finishes all of his runs, finishes his catches, and it’s always fun to see him just play football. Next on Texans Playbook, more with head coach Diko Ryan’s in studio. >> Imagine you are her or him. Like everyone, a sprain, tear, or nagging ache can set you back until your expert orthopedic team at Houston Methodist uses advanced technology to personalize a treatment plan that’s minimally invasive, heals your pain, and gets you back to life on your terms. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it for you. Houston Methodist, leading medicine. >> Is your mattress giving you aches and pains? At Mattress Firm, we understand there are many problems like poor support that can keep you up at night. And our sleep experts have the extensive training, unrivaled knowhow, and advanced tools to match you with a more supportive mattress like Celi Postropedic. It delivers targeted support to help relieve those nagging aches. And right now, you can save up to $700 and get a free adjustable base. So for the great sleep you deserve, visit Mattress Firm. We make sleep easy. >> Officer. Officer, could I get your perspective as a man of the law? >> You know I’m a mall cop, right? >> Let’s say I obtain a car for less than you think it’d cost. >> I don’t follow. >> You see this Hyundai Santa Fe? >> Yeah. >> Guess how much I paid for it. >> Enjoy the new car. >> Deal. So right, it almost feels wrong. The Hyundai Getaway sales event. >> Lease a Hyundai Elantre for $2.29 a month or get up to 2250 bonus cash. See your local Hyundai dealer, the official car of the Houston Texans. >> This is a story that makes everyone cry. >> Laugh, cry, ugly, cry, >> and definitely totally not cry. But it’s okay. >> You can always blame it on the altitude. >> Oh, hey Toro. Do you need a new jersey? With the TDECU Texas debit card, I get 15% off when I shop online. Toro, come on, bro. You still mad about that practice? Let’s get him. >> Show the passion for your team anywhere you go with the Houston Texans debit card powered by TDECU. Houston, we have a problem. Branson and the Shiman DeWir are now the official conac and champagne of the Houston Texans, which means you can now order these premium products in sweets and all bars. Don’t forget to try my new Power Mill specialty cocktail. Trust me, you’ll love it. And to make things even better, the Texans 5050 game day raffle is now presented by 50 Cent and the GU Foundation. For more information, download the new Science Curse app. All right, we’re very deep into the show here on Texans Playbook. So, let’s get a deeper dive with the head coach in studio, Demo Ryan. We continue with the conversation. Coach, how about CJ? His third game back and gutsy performance last week against the Chiefs and then this week against Arizona. Throws for big yardage, three touchdown passes, and some lasers as well as the sack saving throws that you like to see. >> Yeah. What I love about CJ is the decision- making. That’s the thing. It’s just it’s just off the charts like to see him grow and not try to run out of the back of the pocket and trying to make the big play every time. But now he’s he’s taking what’s there and no matter who the receiver is, whatever the the play calls for with his progression, whoever is open, that’s where he’s delivering the football and just the decision- making from that standpoint. Also, when he does escape the pocket, being able to keep your eyes downfield, right? ward off defenders, keep your eyes downfield, keeping two hands on the football and still delivering strikes. The one he throws to Dalton over in the middle of the field on third down like just multiple plays the touchdown of Dalton like >> he could have easy I thought he’s going to run it in. I was like, “Oh, go C.” I’m like, “Oh, >> that’s a better decision right there.” >> Okay, Dan. Way to way to uncover and CJ great job of finding him. But I’m I’m so encouraged by what he’s doing uh from the quarterback position because when your quarterback is playing well, especially now in December football, quarterback is playing well, making great decisions, protecting the football, it just allows you to be in a a position to win win football games. >> Coach, what about the intensity you came out with? It was a lot. We talked about the great start you had and you need that against Sunday against the Raiders. And I was wondering, I know you talked to the guys about the opponent and all the matchups and everything, but when you look around at standings and things like that, these games are all critical. No matter who you’re playing, you need these dubs. So, do you address that with the team? How do you go about that? >> Yeah, Mark, that’s why I pour my all into that whoever we’re playing. Like, all my all goes into that opponent because I know how important each and every game is. There is no game to overlook. There is no looking for the next opponent. It’s about the now like the week who this week the Raiders. That’s what it’s all about this week. And it’s important. We we don’t have tell we don’t have the, you know, the time. We don’t have the opportunity to overlook anybody because when I look at the game that we played versus the Cardinals, I’m like, man, I know we scored 40 point. I know that’s a great job, great plays on special teams, but man, like shouldn’t have been over 50 like we see like when you have opportunity to do that. No slight against the Cardinals or anything, but just talking about us and how we operate, how we function. How do you what do you expect of yourself? Like, do you expect greatness of yourself? Not comparing yourself to another opponent, but I know I could have did better on that play. I know I could have, you know, made a better block. I know I could have finished better. I know I could have made a better decision, a better read. I know I could have played with better leverage. I know I could have finished my rush a little bit better. So, all those things that we have the film at our disposal to go back and show guys and teach them, man, I’m just talking about our guys and what they I know that I’ve seen them do before that we didn’t do in this game where man, how do you really chase greatness? >> When you were in San Francisco, you faced Pete Carol an awful lot and now he’s the head coach of the Raiders. So, you know, he’s a great coach and the Raiders are not having a great season, but they come in still as a threat as an NFL team with something to play for. >> Yeah, always a threat, you know, and playing against Pete, one thing I know he’s going to try to pride himself on is, you know, really possessing the football, eating the clock, like should be a lot of runs. I know they have a good back, should be a lot of runs. They have really good tight end as well. Their defense, they’re going to do a lot of different things. You know, their coordinator, they have a lot of different looks. Max Crosby, he’s one of the best defensive ends. Got to do a great job of handling him if we’re going to have success. >> When I say holiday tradition, either growing up or now, what rings out to you? What is important to you, your family, maybe growing up or maybe something you like to do now with your kids and wife? >> Well, the kids now, they love the Elf on the Shelf. I know you guys are familiar with that. Like, >> yeah, >> seeing the elf move around every morning, they they’re really excited about that. So, I I do enjoy that, seeing the kids. Daddy, we found him. He’s over here. So, that that’s fun. >> Reminder, set the alarm for the elf. >> 10 o’clock at night or whenever it might be. Coach, thanks a lot. Good luck. >> Thank you guys. >> Coming up on Texans Playbook, the executive vice president and general manager Nick Cacerio joins us in studio. Bowman Engineering and Consulting and their dedicated AMA business banker worked together to put the US in business banking, which included the occasional lunch meeting. Now it’s your turn with your own dedicated AMA business banker with banking experience in your industry. Because you’re more than a customer, we’re more than a bank. And together, we’ll help put your business on solid financial footing with comprehensive financing options, earned interest on your accounts, and yes, planning sessions whenever you need them. Here we collaborate. Here you grow. >> Like the way that I smooth. Yeah. Fast money, fast cars, too. Kick rocks. I don’t know you like the way that Iide, slide, slide, slide. I slide. I’m the best. You know that’s right. Want to take a ride with a winner. Number one, nothing else to consider. No. >> Imagine you are him. You need a kidney transplant and nobody you know is a match. But your Houston Methodist transplant team combines elite surgical expertise and advanced technology with a groundbreaking kidney swap chain using multiple donors to find your match and save multiple lives with one team. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it for you. Houston Methodist leading medicine. Is your mattress giving you aches and pains? At Mattress Firm, we understand there are many problems like poor support that can keep you up at night. And our sleep experts have the extensive training, unrivaled knowhow, and advanced tools to match you with a more supportive mattress like Celely Postropedic. It delivers targeted support to help relieve those nagging aches. And right now, you can save up to $700 and get a free adjustable base. So for the great sleep you deserve, visit Mattress Firm. We make sleep easy. This holiday season, Texans can count on Kroger. You get up high quality and down low prices. Up high quality with our exclusive brands and down low prices on all your holiday needs. Because at Kroger, quality and low prices always come together. Kroger, Texas proud since 1955. to Lasad. We resume Texans playbook here from the Houston Texans team shop. Great place to get the holiday shopping done. Or are you like me? You get it done at the 11th hour. This is still a good place to go. A guy who gets things done way in advance is the executive vice president and general manager Nick Cacerio. John Harris and I had a chance to visit with him in studio. Joining us in studio is executive vice president and general manager Nick Cacerio. Nick, how’s it going? Good to see you, >> fellas. Good to be here. >> All right, here we go. It’s Raiders week and let’s go over what happened against the Cardinals as the Texans won six in a row in that game, Nick. 20-point victory. Very nice. >> Yeah, overall played a pretty solid football game. Think the big thing we able to get off to a really fast start. So, scored in the first possession, then forced a fumble on kickoff coverage. Jal made a really good play, turned it into a field goal, and then able to tack on another touchdown there. So, you know, after the first quarter, we’re up 17 nothing. So, got out quickly and we’re able to kind of sustain some drives there and, you know, put points on the board. Um, you know, gave up a few touchdowns there in the second half against, you know, pretty good player. I mean, probably one of the best tight ends in the league, maybe the second best tight end. You know, we’ll talk about Bowers here in a little bit. But, um, overall, you know, pretty a pretty solid football game. You know, had some players take advantage of some opportunities. Um, you know, cover kicks fairly well. Um, another week where we took care of the football. I mean, there’s a direct correlation between taking care of the football and winning. Um, so if we continue on that track, it’s certainly going to help us here over the duration of the year. >> Nick, for those uneducated or not paying attention until Sunday and they see 26 and they’re like, “Hey, who’s this Jordan character?” To Jar Jordan, you draft him in 2024. Hey, what’ you see in him back then and what did you see from the other day uh in his debut showing as a Texan? >> Yeah, I mean, some of the things that we saw the other day on the field, you saw that at Louisville. um you know, has good speed. Um he’s athletic. Um he’s probably got good strength for his size. He’s not a real big guy. He’s 190 lbs, whatever it was. But we just thought he had a little bit of juice. Um had a extra gear. Um and there’s an example of a player who kind of been on the practice squad here for a few years. Just speaks to everybody that comes in our building at some point’s probably going to have an opportunity. Um so you have to make sure that you’re prepared when that opportunity arises. Um and Jar’s credit had a good attitude. He’s a really good kid. Doesn’t say much. Works really hard. I mean, fits that uh running back room between, you know, Woody, Nick Chub, and Jaw. I’m not sure who’s who’s had the most amount of words over the course of the year. What about Nico Collins, Nick? We’ve talked about him from time to time, but he had this moment last year and he was miked up, but he said that’s wait room where he broke a tackle, made some physical things happen, and he’s got that physical dimension along with everything else he can do. So tell us how he’s developed from when you drafted him. >> Yeah, he’s really he’s put in a lot of work. Um, and he’s made himself into a really good football player. Um, we’ve talked about this on this show. I mean, he was he was kind of a raw player coming out of Michigan, you know, 6’4. Then by the time he finished up, he was like 240 pounds. It really wasn’t a good 240 and he missed football. So, he had some work to put in to kind of get himself um into being a pretty good player. You know, first couple years it was a little bit up and down. He was out there, he wasn’t out there. He had some injuries. Probably didn’t do as good of a job as we needed to to get in the football. Um and then he kind of came onto the scene there in 23 and then he backed that up in 24. But he’s got a great attitude. He works very very hard. Um, and he’s I mean he’s big, but you look at him, he’s kind of like he doesn’t look big, if you will. I mean, he’s got big ass arms, but I mean he’s well put together. He’s well proportional. He’s 6’4. He’s 220 lbs. Um, and he’s strong, and he’s hard to tackle. So, he has a very unique combination of size, speed, length, and short space quickness for his size, which makes him into the effective player that he is. Las Vegas Raiders haven’t won a lot of games, but that never really comes into the calculus of our discussion. Nick, what what are you seeing with the Las Vegas Raiders? What is a scuttering port on this team coming in on Sunday? >> Yeah, I think the big thing, it applies offensively and defensively. They have a number of explosive players kind of littered throughout their roster. So, you know, Coach Carol’s come in and and they’ve had to make some changes, different points between the kicking game and offensive coordinator. Pat Graham’s a defensive coordinator, um, who’s actually been there for a number of years now. Pat’s a really good coach. They’ve done a pretty good job defensively. Defensively, everything starts with Crosby. The thing about Max is he’s a dynamic player, but he plays pretty much every snap, which is kind of rare to see. So, his endurance, his competitiveness, his toughness, he’s as disruptive of a rusher as he is in a running game. So, in the end, you have to account for him as much as possible. I mean, they got a pretty good front. You know, Butler’s giving them some good snaps inside. I’d say Thomas Booker’s giving them some pretty good snaps. um they you know the kid they uh claimed from Indianapolis last year, Loalo giving them some snaps. So the front they got some guys with some size. Tyrie Wilson kind of plays in passing situations who you know I’m sure you did some work on coming out. Um you know and Devin White has done a good job for them. Devin was with us here last year. Deon’s among the leaders in tackles um collectively um so between him and Landon Roberts you know giving them good play inside. So they got a pretty pretty good defense has kind of played I would say consistently all year and then offensively I mean probably going to be Gino I know Picket played last week but Gino’s got a lot of experience play a lot of football and I’d say they got explosive players really at running back and genty at tight end and Bowers who’s a significant problem for defenses and then Trey Tucker has given them a really good level of play he’s fast as hell so he’s capable of making big plays. Um so they’ve kind of shuffled some guys in and out. They’ve made some changes um on a coaching front as well, but they have explosive players that can impact the game. So, we just got to make sure that we’re prepared to understand who’s on the field and just make sure that we’re sound in our assignments and our techniques. >> All right, Nick, it’s the holiday game. So, here we go. >> Oh, boy. >> If I say holiday tradition, either growing up or now in your family, what really jumps out to you? What stands out to you when I say holiday tradition? >> Well, I’d say probably fast forward to our family now. So we’re definitely big elf on the shelf people. So that’s big in our house. So it can’t like can’t go anywhere without the elf on the shelf. >> Who’s got the responsibility for the elf? >> Uh the elf responsib but who is the elf assistant? >> We do have a designated uh uh person for that. Uh >> okay. And then uh Christmas morning, we kind of have our, you know, we try to church is going to be a little bit later, but in the morning, Charlie, the youngest, is probably the first one that’s up, but we got to wait for his sisters to wake up and then we kind of all get together and the girls always open their uh their gifts first. So, but um yeah, it’s just us. So, it’s just a plus Lily. We can’t forget about the dog. So, um she’s probably a bigger part of the house as any, but um we’ve kind of created like our own little tradition here. Um, but everybody looks forward to, everybody gets excited and uh, you know, Santa’s right around the corner, so there’s a lot of lot of prep that’s that goes into it before then. >> You’ll be busy as always, Nick. Thanks a lot. Good luck. >> Thanks, fellas. >> Next up on Texans Playbook, the Texans go big in the community for the holiday season. Inspire change grants coming up. >> Relion is the home of free electricity, so your home can be the home of epic bedtime stories. The Flex Your Credits electricity plan gives your two highs stays free every week automatically, plus $200 in bill credits. And when you have Reliant and Vivant, they’re smarter together, giving you the power to manage your electricity and your smart home all in one place. Live happily ever after with the Flex Your Credits electricity plan from Reliant. Proud partners of the Houston Texans. >> We believe in possibilities at Texas Children’s. As the nation’s largest women’s and pediatric health care system, we believe that all lives can be changed for the better. For every cure found, we’re dedicated to finding another. For every life changed, we’re determined it isn’t the last one. By doing things differently, we deliver the impossible for the benefit of the world. Texas Children’s. The difference is lifechanging. Fly when I come through. Cool with it. I’m so smooth. Yeah. Fast money, fast cars, too. Kick rocks. I don’t know you like the way that Iide, slide, slide, slide. The way that I slide, slide. I’m the best, you know. That’s right. Want to take a ride with a winner. Number one, nothing else to consider. >> Is your mattress giving you aches and pains? At Mattress Firm, we understand there are many problems like poor support that can keep you up at night. And our sleep experts have the extensive training, unrivaled knowhow, and advanced tools to match you with a more supportive mattress like Cely Postropedic. It delivers targeted support to help relieve those nagging aches. And right now, you can save up to $700 and get a free adjustable base. So for the great sleep you deserve, visit Mattress Firm. We make sleep easy. >> Individual style. >> A recognizable voice. >> Good afternoon. >> A fresh perspective. When there’s only one you others can only imitate. Introducing the one and only 100% electric BMW i5. BMW, the ultimate electric driving machine. Take advantage of exceptional offers on the all-electric BMW i5. >> Oh, hey Toro. Do you need a new jersey? With the TDECU Texans debit card, I get 15% off when I shop online. Toro, come on, bro. You still mad about that practice? >> Let’s get them. Show the passion for your team anywhere you go with the Houston Texans debit card powered by TDECU. >> Cash. >> Wide open spaces and lots of room to play. That’s Casada Casino Resort. Escape to Kashada and play the largest and most spacious gaming floor in Southwest Louisiana with thousands of the newest, most exciting slots, over 55 table games, live bingo and golf, plus beautiful hotels, award-winning cuisine, the fabulous Dream Pool and the allnew High Limit Room. It’s Louisiana’s largest casino resort and Louisiana’s best bet. into the end zone. Caught. Touchdown. Picked off. Caleb Bullet intercepted. Lasser caught touchdown. Houston sacked again. And the Texans have it. Henry Toatoa. Back to it here on Texans Playbook. You know, the Texans go big in the community and Inspire Change is one of the biggest events of the year where the Houston Texans Foundation gives away a lot of money to some worthy organizations. Take a peek. On Giving Tuesday, the Houston Texans, Kico Phillips, and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages awarded $469,000 to 13 recipients of the Inspire Change Grant Fund. >> Today, we celebrate you, the leaders, organizations, and advocates whose work strengthens our city every single day. Your commitment to education, social justice, youth empowerment, and support for our communities is the heartbeat of Pagetown. >> Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, Hannah McNair, Texans President Mike Tolman. Texans players and legends surprised the deserving organizations that are creating real impact across Houston. Launched in 2021, the Inspire Change Grant Fund was created to support programs advancing social justice and racial equity. Since its inception, the fund has now invested more than $2.1 million into the Houston community. I love that inspired change event. One of my favorite of the year. And you know what? It’s one of my favorite times of the year, the holidays. So, we’ll see you here at the Houston Texans team shop. We’ll see you at NRG Stadium Sunday when the Texans take on the Raiders at 3:25. Have a great weekend. Go Texans.

Six straight. Next up: Raiders Week at NRG Stadium.

Texans Playbook comes to you from the Texans Team Shop for an unofficial holiday special — with a full Texans vs. Raiders preview, a look back at the win over the Arizona Cardinals, and highlights from Iron Sharpens Iron during this momentum-filled stretch. Plus, go inside the Texans Recovery Center and hear from DeMeco Ryans and Nick Casario on what it takes to keep stacking wins in December.

Kickoff: Sunday at 3:25 PM at NRG Stadium. Go Texans.

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