After a rough 2024, Texans center Jake Andrews believes the offensive line is ready to protect C.J. Stroud and prove doubters wrong. Here’s why fans might want to believe.
“Nobody in C.J.’s Lap”: Jake Andrews Brings the Fire for 2025
Let’s be real: if you’re a Texans fan, last season’s offensive line performance probably had you yelling at your TV. C.J. Stroud got knocked around more than almost any QB in the league — finishing the year as the second-most sacked quarterback in the NFL.
So yeah, skepticism is understandable.
But Jake Andrews, the Texans’ new starting center, is here to change the tone. In a chat with Texans play-by-play man Marc Vandermeer, Andrews gave fans a message that hit like a locker room speech.
“We’re going to protect C.J. Us five up front—we’re going to make it our life’s work to not have anybody in his lap.”
That’s the kind of mentality you want from your center.
From Rock Bottom to Reshaped: Texans’ O-Line Overhaul
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Pro Football Focus ranked Houston’s O-line dead last heading into 2025. That’s 32nd out of 32 teams.
PFF analyst Zoltan Buday didn’t hold back either:
“The presence of veterans Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason prevented an already shaky Texans offensive line from being even worse in 2024… There is very little to suggest that the group isn’t deserving of the No. 32 ranking.”
Ouch.
But the Texans have responded. The front office added experience and shuffled roles:
- Trent Brown and Cam Robinson signed as veteran tackles
- Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram brought in to reinforce the interior
- Tytus Howard moved from right tackle to left guard
- Rookie Blake Fisher is stepping in at right tackle
This group isn’t flashy, but it’s got grit — and that might be just what they need.
The Nick Caley Effect: A Fresh Offensive Philosophy
A key piece of this rebuild? New offensive coordinator Nick Caley, brought over from the Rams. While he worked mostly with tight ends and the pass game there, early signs point to a balanced, physical identity for Houston in 2025.
Andrews is buying in, especially when it comes to the run game:
“The ball is going to be run. (Nick) Caley is doing a good job putting that together.”
For a team that’s often leaned too hard on Stroud’s arm, that shift could be huge — especially for an O-line that wants to punch back.
Fans React: Split Between Hope and Hesitation
Andrews’ passion-filled interview got fans talking — and emotions were all over the place.
🔥 “I’m ready to run through a wall now,” one fan said.
💪 “Love it. We haven’t had that mentality on our front five in a long time.”
😐 “I’m not gonna believe in this OL until I see it,” another replied.
And honestly? That last one isn’t unfair. Texans fans have heard plenty of offseason optimism over the years, only to be disappointed once the games start.
But this time, there’s at least a clear plan, new personnel, and a guy at center willing to take the heat and lead the charge.
Final Drive: Talk Is Cheap, But Confidence Counts
Jake Andrews and the Texans’ O-line know they’ve got a lot to prove — and talk won’t stop the sacks. But mindset matters, especially in the trenches.
If they can back it up with even a league-average performance, it could be the key to unleashing C.J. Stroud’s full potential — and giving Houston one of the most exciting young offenses in the NFL.
Texans fans: stay cautious, but maybe don’t close the door on hope just yet.
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