The 2025 Houston Texans are on the precipice of something never before done in franchise history: win a Divisional Round matchup. All that stands in their way is back-to-back Super Bowl champs the Kansas City Chiefs. Easier said than done. But lets get into it. The Chiefs have undeniably cracked the code on how to win in the NFL. Arrowhead Prides recent article on their winning formula, which candidly leaned on QB Patrick Mahomes and all-everything DT Chris Jones. For a team with a 15-2 record, their +59 point differential landed them only 10th. They have squeaked by all season long. Even so, Kansas City boasts two 2024 All-Pros on the offensive line. The center-guard pair of Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey have protected Patrick Mahomes well all season. Their issue? Second-year tackle Wanya Morris was benched after allowing unrelenting pressure on Mahomes, leading to Joe Thuney temporarily moving to left tackle. The Chiefs signed veteran DJ Humphries to address these issues, but his own injury issues have hampered his play. Simply put Ed Ingram Jersey, the Texans must not only win, but dominate the Chiefs left tackle. Its Mahomes blind side, but also the Chiefs Achilles heel on offense. Stymieing Mahomes time to throw will limit their ability to pick a part the Texans defense. On the inside, the Texans must hold their own against two All-Pros. Houston features a six-man rotation on the interior. Ageless wonders Denico Autry and Mario Edwards were elite up front against the Los Angeles Chargers and need to cause havoc up front. Winning the line of scrimmage will buoy the Texans chances to upset the marks the second-consecutive inclusion on the First Team for Thuney, who also earned a spot on the Second Team in both 2019 and 2022. Thuney ranked second among all guards in 2024 in terms of pass-blocking according to Pro Football Focus, but his late-season efforts at left tackle were perhaps even more impactful. Thuney, despite lining up across from the likes of edge rushers such as T.J. Watt, Danielle Hunter and Myles Garrett, didnt allow a sack in his three starts at left tackle this other kink in the Chiefs armor is their run game. There were seven games where they didnt eclipse 100 yards on the ground. In their two losses to Buffalo and Denver, they only gained 87 yards and 27 yards respectively. As renown for efficiency as Kansas City is, their run game was 22nd in the league. Their rushing attack did improve in the past six games, they ran for 95+ yards in all but one contest. If Houston is going to defeat Kansas City, theyre going to shut down Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco. The Chiefs passing attack is death by a thousand cuts. Ten consecutive Pro Bowls for Travis Kelce vaults him into all-time greats territory. He led the Chiefs in targets, receptions, and yards. Against the Texans during the regular season, Kelce only notched five catches for 30 yards. Expect Kelce to be a featured piece in their offensive gameplan. Houston has better run stopping linebackers than pass defending. Whether second year LB Henry TooToo or third year LB Christian Harris guard Kelce will be a critical for the Chiefs to put rookie Xavier Worthy in the slot to free him up. The Texans two best corners play on the outside and are starting backup Myles Bryant in the slot. Additionally, cornerback Trent McDuffie was also honored with a Second-Team selection. He will be tasked with stopping Nico showcased their new, more effective offense Saturday against the Chargers. Gone are the seven-step drops and slow developing plays. Its quick passes, check downs, and slant routes here on out. Body blows. Body blows. Body only threw 10 passes beyond 10 yards downfield and went 50% on those throws including an interception. As concerning as that is, its the strategic decision based on the lack of weapons. Even though he wasnt pushing the ball downfield, he also wasnt throwing the ball behind the line of scrimmage. Call it a passive aggression. This tactic will be implemented against the Chiefs considering Saturday was the most effective the offense has looked all season. The touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins illustrates how quick routes and getting the ball out breaks down defenses with speed. The Texans front line is finally coming into form. Tytus Howards move to left guard, rookie Blake Fishers insert to right tackle, and Juice Scruggs shift to right guard has solidified the offense. Houston has moved to a power gap scheme. Theyve stopped trying to duo block and pulling guards. Instead they are working to get to the linebackers and open lanes vertically rather than horizontally. The best way to visualize this is by putting your fingers together; instead of pulling your fingers apart left to right, theyre moving one hand in front of the other. Houston used this to minimize the impact of Khalil Mack, but will it work against a Chris Jones? Doubtful theyll be able to pull this off twice in a row, but instead of investing two players to stop Jones, theyll be investing just one with the goal of not running at him. I dont have to tell you that beating Kansas City is a tall Joe Mixon Jersey, tall task. Theyre the kings of the league and are coming off a bye. Houston cant let their game wreckers do just that. Attacking the left tackle position, minimizing Chris Jones impact, and leaning into the revamped offensive line are the keys to success.
