The Houston Texans fell 0-4 to the Dallas Cowboys. This loss is a painful one for Houston fans. It feels like playoff hopes are out the window, and losing to your in-state rival to cement that makes it even worse. The fashion in which the Texans lost was even more painful. The offense played amazingly, but the defense couldn't stop the passing game. The secondary failed yet again.  The officiating also played perhaps a bigger role than it should have. On a 3rd-and-goal, Kamari Lassiter was flagged for pass interference on George Pickens that was absolutely bogus. Greg Olsen even explained that George Pickens plowed into the chest of Kamari Lassiter and drew a DPI. This call was a horrible one. Lassiter didn't pull, push, or hold onto Pickens after being pushed by him, and yet he was flagged. This flag would prove costly: instead of the Cowboys settling for the field goal on a 4th and long, the Cowboys ended up scoring a touchdown. Refereeing was questionable throughout the game, but the Texans still had the game in their grasp. However, the defense couldn't come through. The Texans are stuck in a cycle of losing that stems from one basic issue. When the offense plays well, the defense doesn't, and when the defense plays well, the offense doesn't. A true optimist would express hope in the return of players such as Tank Dell, Azeez Al-Shaair, Braden Smith, and Hentry To'oto'o. Nico Collins' return didn't disappoint. Collins racked up 7 receptions for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week again proved that Cj Stroud is an elite-level quarterback in the national football league. Stroud threw 21/31 for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns. Additionally, Cj Stroud played another clean game with 0 turnovers (ESPN.com). However, the defense again failed to close the game and failed to create any turnovers. The defense isn't what it was last year, and Cj Stroud has been the only consistent player on the team. This loss hurts and, according to the statistics, shuts the door on postseason aspirations in Houston. Only one team in NFL history has started 0-4 and made the playoffs (NBCSports.com). The Texans will head to Nashville to take on the Titans next week. If that game is lost it will be safe to conclude that the Texans will miss the playoffs. It's a long road ahead, but the Texans still play the Jaguars twice, the Titans twice, and the Colts once. The Texans could still turn their season around, but the margin for error has become razor thin. 3/4 of the Texans' losses were by 5 or less, and I figure that the Texans' luck HAS to change in these one-score games sooner or later (ESPN.com). 

Nico Collins is a serious contender for this week, but it only feels right that Cj gets it. Cj Stroud has played his best in 4 weeks, and his leadership shines. The Texans may not have gotten the win against Dallas this week, but Cj Stroud did everything you would ask of a franchise quarterback. Some things are simply out of your control. Cj Stroud had roughly a 68% completion rate for 347 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Stroud only took 2 sacks, which were largely out of his control, and played another clean game with no turnovers. Cj Stroud also had a couple of smart rushes for 12 yards. Cj Stroud also generated some huge plays this game, including a 52-yard pass to 2nd-year receiver Jaylin Noel (ESPN.com). Cj Stroud unquestionably has been the most consistent player on this team and will almost certainly be getting a new contract from the Houston Texans by the offseason.