2021 Houston Texans season

2021 Houston Texans season
OwnerJanice and D. Cal McNair
General managerNick Caserio
Head coachDavid Culley
Offensive coordinatorTim Kelly
Defensive coordinatorLovie Smith
Home fieldNRG Stadium
Results
Record4–13
Division place3rd AFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Uniform

The 2021 season was the Houston Texans' 20th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their only under head coach David Culley. For the first time since 2011, defensive end J. J. Watt was not on the roster, as he had signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 5, 2021, reuniting him with former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals the season prior. It also was the first time since 2014 without former head coach Bill O'Brien, as he was fired just four games into the 2020 season when the Texans began 0–4.[1]

In addition, Deshaun Watson, the starting quarterback since 2017, was inactive the entire season due to several allegations of sexual assault.[2][3] Though he was never released, suspended, or placed on any reserve list, he was ruled out each week for "non-injury-related" reasons.[4][3] Veteran free agent signing Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills split time as the starting quarterback in Watson's stead throughout the season. Due to injury and poor performance by Taylor,[5][6][7] Mills would be the starting quarterback for most of the season. Mills would finish the season with 2,664 passing yards, breaking the franchise record for most passing yards in a season by a rookie quarterback.[8][nb 1]

After winning their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans would go on an eight-game losing streak before winning against the Tennessee Titans in week 11. After a Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive year. With a 41–29 upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in week 16, the Texans matched their win total from the previous season, at four.

Following the season, head coach David Culley and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly were fired.[9][10] Watson would also be traded to the Cleveland Browns in the following off-season.[11]

  1. ^ Mather, Victor (February 12, 2021). "Texans Release J. J. Watt After He Asks to Leave". The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  2. ^ "AP Source: QB Watson requests trade from Houston Texans". AP NEWS. April 21, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  3. ^ a b McClain, John (September 3, 2021). "Mailbag: Are Texans setting precedent with handling of Deshaun Watson?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  4. ^ "Texans' Deshaun Watson: Ruled out for Week 17". CBSSports.com. January 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  5. ^ Edwards, Josh (September 19, 2021). "Texans rookie Davis Mills relieves injured Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) to start second half vs. Browns". CBSSports. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  6. ^ DeArdo, Bryan (December 5, 2021). "Texans bench Tyrod Taylor for Davis Mills during Houston's Week 13 game against the Colts". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  7. ^ "Houston Texans turn from Tyrod Taylor to Davis Mills at quarterback". ESPN.com. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  8. ^ Sidhu, Deepi (January 9, 2022). "with 11 starts under his belt, Houston Texans QB Davis Mills has now solidified himself as the leading rookie passer in franchise history with 2,664 yards". Houston Texans. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  9. ^ "Statements from the Houston Texans". Houston Texans. January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  10. ^ "Houston Texans fire head coach David Culley after one season". NFL.com. January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  11. ^ Rapien, James (March 18, 2022). "Deshaun Watson is Headed to the Browns". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 18, 2022.


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