Houston Texans face uncomfortable truth after ex-linemen shine elsewhere

For Houston Texans fans, watching Thursday Night Football's matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers might've been a triggering experience.

Former Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard, who was unceremoniously traded to the Browns for just a fifth-round pick, was lined up across from Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt all night. Howard, who spent seven seasons with the Texans, was a proficient blocker and protector against the future Hall of Fame defender.

Howard's play helped stabilize the Browns' offensive line and, more importantly, stifle the Steelers.

Let's be clear: Howard's stellar play on Thursday doesn't necessarily mean the Texans let go of an all-world tackle for pennies. Over eight seasons, Howard has proven he's a replacement-level offensive lineman.

However, when the Texans agreed to a trade with the Detroit Lions, receiving running back David Montgomery in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, many in Houston felt they fleeced Detroit.

Scruggs, pushed into starting duty at center due to injuries, has thrived. According to Pro Football Focus, Scruggs has graded out as the NFL's fourth-best center (71.5) through three games. Moreover, Scruggs has been dominant as a run blocker, grading out as the league's second-best center (78.7) in that phase of the game.

For Texans fans, it must be difficult to reconcile how well former offensive linemen are now performing elsewhere. Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus currently grades the Texans' offensive line No. 30 out of 32 teams in the NFL.

The Texans have thrown a lot of resources at fixing arguably the most problem-plagued unit in franchise history this offseason. Texans general manager Nick Caserio used a first-round pick to draft interior lineman Keylan Rutledge. Caserio also signed veteran free agents Evan Brown and Wyatt Teller to bolster the unit.

So far, the Texans are 0-3, while quarterback C.J. Stroud was tied for second-most sacks taken after three weeks. Moreover, the Texans' rushing attack has averaged a meager 84.7 yards per game, ranking 30th out of 32 teams.

"We're still making gains. We're gonna go out there and just execute better from a down-to-down basis. And it starts with me, we're all in this together," Texans offensive line coach Cole Popovich said to KPRC's Aaron Wilson on Thursday . "We'll keep coaching it, the players will keep coming along, keep getting it, and we'll just keep improving as we go."

The Texans are officially at a breaking point yet again, with an offensive line unable to be difference-makers for a team that seemed destined for title contention this season. With the rival Dallas Cowboys coming into town, they bring one of the league's worst defenses, currently ranked No. 23 by PFF.

Another poor performance will raise tough questions for everyone involved in the offense, from the quarterback and coordinators to assistant coaches and even the general manager. Just being average would likely do wonders. Because 0-4 might mean thinking more about a high draft pick in 2027 than hosting a playoff game or two.