The Houston Texans are among five NFL teams still searching for their first win of the 2026 season. The team’s current record is 0-3 as they approach a critical game against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Stephen A. Smith emphasized the significance of this matchup during Wednesday’s episode of “First Take.”
Smith stated, “Their season is on the line. Houston cannot afford to lose this game.” He further warned that falling to 0-4 would be a setback for the team, especially in the competitive AFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts are posing serious threats, making it essential for the Texans to break their losing streak.
The Texans’ defense, once the top-ranked in total defense last season, currently sits at 16th in yards allowed. This unexpected decline has raised concerns. Smith highlighted that the defense’s underperformance is one of the team’s issues.
Additionally, the offense is under scrutiny. In previous games, the Texans lost a high-scoring contest to the Buffalo Bills by 34-31 and followed up with a 20-6 home loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. They managed only 223 yards in a close 19-17 loss to the Colts, despite forcing three turnovers.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has not thrown an interception this season. However, his average of 6.6 yards per pass attempt is modest. Smith questioned Stroud’s performance, noting, “C.J. Stroud is in a contract year. He wants his bag. He’s not showing that he’s worthy of the bag that he covets right now.”
This Sunday’s game against the Cowboys is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET, and it represents a pivotal moment for the Texans to change their current trajectory.