On today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we’re asking the big question: What SHOULD expectations be for Nick Caley in Year 2 as Houston Texans offensive coordinator? Because talent alone isn’t enough anymore. For Caley and the entire offensive coaching staff, there has to be an assertive effort to become a more FUNCTIONAL football team in 2026. The numbers tell the story: 🚩 39 offensive line penalties 🚩 305 yards lost due to OL mistakes 🚩 18 false starts That can’t happen again. If the Texans want to maximize CJ Stroud, this offense has to clean up the details that stalled drives, killed momentum, and created unnecessary pressure on the quarterback. And speaking of helping your QB… Houston MUST get better at getting the play in and getting to the line of scrimmage faster. Too often in key moments last season, the Texans were breaking the huddle with under 15 seconds left on the play clock, leaving CJ Stroud little time to diagnose defenses, make pre-snap adjustments, audible, or simply control the game the way elite quarterbacks do. 🏈 How much responsibility falls on Nick Caley? 🏈 What are realistic areas of growth for Year 2? 🏈 What does being a “functional offense” actually look like? Plus, we dive into one of the most fascinating parts of Houston’s offense moving forward: How will Nick Caley use Woody Marks and Jaylin Noel? We discuss: 🔥 Why Woody Marks could become a sneaky weapon in the passing game 🔥 How Houston can maximize Marks as a receiving back 🔥 Jaylin Noel’s fit alongside Tank Dell 🔥 Can Caley mesh speed, explosiveness, and versatility without overcrowding roles? There are real questions about touches, spacing, and role definition in this offense — especially if Tank Dell returns healthy. AND… 📈 What is the Texans’ REALISTIC projected win total in 2026? With a tougher schedule, national skepticism, and offensive questions still lingering, where should expectations actually land? Is 10 wins the floor? 11 or 12 the expectation? Or is 13 wins a realistic ceiling for a Texans team entering contender status? The expectations in Houston are changing — and Year 2 under Nick Caley could determine just how high this team climbs. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
