EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans had lofty expectations entering the season — and they're still well on track to fulfill them.
But their 6-2 start has been far from easy. Or pretty. And the banged-up AFC South leaders know it.
“I think it’s a goal we had was to start fast and I believe that we’ve been putting on some good ball," Stroud said, "but we have a lot to still clean up.”
They've won four of their past five, with the only loss coming on a field goal as time expired at Green Bay on Oct. 20. Next up is a Halloween night matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the struggling New York Jets (2-6), who have dropped five straight.
“It’s just exciting times," Stroud said. "It’s coming into the two hardest months of ball is November and December. We get to end October on a prime-time game and it’s going to be a great matchup against the Jets and we’ve got to be able to be ready and try to finish October the right way.”
They'll have to do it without two of their biggest playmakers on offense, though. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs tore the ACL in his right knee and is out for the season, and fellow receiver Nico Collins remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
“A lot of the guys have to step up, pick up the slack,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It is definitely a blow to us.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets limp into the game at MetLife Stadium four days after dropping a 25-22 decision in New England that left their fans frustrated and deflated — and the chances of snapping a 13-year postseason drought seem unlikely.
And it's only halfway through the season.
“Just got to win, baby,” Rodgers said when asked of his mindset.
That, of course, has been easier said than done. The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8, replaced him with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, pulled offensive play-calling duties from Nathaniel Hackett in favor of Todd Downing, traded for wide receiver Davante Adams and finally got edge rusher Haason Reddick on the field after he ended his lengthy contract holdout.
Still, New York is trying to avoid its first six-game skid since losing its final six of the 2022 season.
“Just smile, show up, trust, believe and root us on as hard as you can,” Rodgers said of his message to the fans. “We need that noise. We’re trying to rectify this as quickly as possible. I know it’s been frustrating for everybody, but still a lot of season left."
Replacing Diggs
With Diggs and Collins out, Houston’s top healthy receiver is Tank Dell. But the Texans will need others to step in if they hope to keep the passing game going Thursday night.
The Texans have Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie at wide receiver, but none has contributed much this season. The three have combined for just 146 yards receiving.
“All we ask is win your one on ones and make the plays that you’re supposed to make,” Ryans said. “And if guys do that, collectively as a team we’ll be just fine.”
Running Rodgers
Rodgers has been dealing with a sprained ankle, sore knee and tight hamstring — all in his left leg, the same one to which he suffered a torn Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut last year.
The 40-year-old quarterback has been less mobile than he typically has been throughout his career. After scrambling for 18 yards against New England in Week 3 and 26 against Minnesota in Week 4, Rodgers hasn't had a single rushing attempt.
But he said he's feeling good physically this week — even half-joking that a cayenne pepper and water concoction suggested by punter Thomas Morstead has helped. And with Houston's sack-happy defensive line on tap, Rodgers will likely have to use his legs a bit.
“I’m not the runner I once was,” Rodgers acknowledged. “I led our team in rushing a handful of games over the years. I don’t want to do that, but I've got to be able to move around."
Mixon’s work
Joe Mixon has wowed fans with several highlight-reel plays in his first season with the Texans. The most recent came when the running back dragged a defensive back into the end zone with him on a touchdown run against the Colts.
The play was jaw-dropping to some, but for Ryans it’s just what he expects from Mixon.
“I’ve seen him his entire career and how he’s made plays ... so he doesn’t surprise me,” Ryans said. “That’s how he is all week. He’s on edge all week. He wants the ball every single snap and I love that mindset.”
Mixon ranks third in the NFL by averaging 100.6 yards rushing a game and has had at least 100 yards rushing and a TD run in three straight games.
Special stair climb
Coaches and staff members of the Texans and Jets will walk the stands at MetLife Stadium a few hours before the game to participate in the Knapp Stair Climb to honor former NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp.
Knapp, then a member of the Jets' coaching staff, died in July 2021 when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle near his home in California. He was 58.
The teams are climbing the stairs — one of Knapp's pregame traditions — to benefit the Coach Knapp Memorial Fund, which was started by Knapp's wife Charlotte and his close friend and agent Jeff Sperbeck. The fund was established to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving to reduce the number of distracted-driving related crashes and deaths.
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AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken contributed to this report.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press
