Last season, the Houston Texans defense was top-10 in almost every way. This year is a different story, especially in the passing game. In 2025, they gave up an average of 183.5 passing yards per game.

This season, they're allowing 244 passing yards per game so far. They also gave up an average quarterback rating of 76.2 last season, and that is now 96.9 this year through the first seven games.

Looking at their games this season, it is fair to say their defense has cost them four games. The Texans have two games with over 30 points on offense where they lost. They also could not stop the Indianapolis Colts on their final drive of the game, resulting in a loss. Houston’s defense also was not able to contain New York’s run game in overtime, resulting in their most recent loss.

When asked to address specifically what he thought was the problem with the defense, general manager Nick Caserio said their tackling was a massive issue, as well as a lack of takeaways.

“We're the worst team in the league in tackling. Too many missed tackles. Giving up too many explosive plays. Take those two areas right there. If we tackle better and we give up less explosive plays, then probably see a better result defensively,” Caserio said. “Taking the ball away. We haven't really taken the ball away. We've done a really good job offensively of taking care of the ball. Pretty close, but I think the least number of turnovers in the league. We've done a pretty good job of possessing the ball, taking care of the ball.

"Takeaways, we haven't taken the ball away. Missing too many tackles. We have given up too many explosive plays, which is probably why we haven't played as well as we're capable of defensively.”

Despite their 2-5 start to the season, the Texans still have a chance at the postseason. They are only two games behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South and two games behind as the No. 7 seed in the AFC, although their best route to the playoffs right now is probably to win the division.

Houston returns following the bye week to take on the 0-6 Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.