When the Houston Texans began the season, they didn't think they would be 1-8 heading into the Bye Week. With nine games remaining, including five home games, the Texans look to correct mistakes and find success when they return from the break. The Bye Week offers a chance to step back from football and return with a renewed focus.
DB Justin Reid is considering a trip to visit his brothers and turning his thoughts away from football for a few days. WR Brandin Cooks plans to spend time with his wife and baby, something he can't do for more than a few hours a day during the regular season.
"I think you're still watching film at the end of the day, knowing coming off the bye, we've got Tennessee," Cooks said. "So, be able to watch their game, be able to watch some clips throughout the week. Just preparing for your opponent, so the first time you come back in off the bye, your first time seeing them is not that week. Maybe just take a little bit of time here and there, maybe not at the beginning of the week, but toward the end of the week as we get closer to coming back."
For coaches, it means re-evaluating the first half of the season, self-scouting and making changes heading into the second half.
"You evaluate everything," Head Coach David Culley said. "I evaluate what I'm doing. I evaluate the message that I am giving to them. I know the message I am giving to them is the right message, but am I giving it to them the right way? What can I do to maybe give it to them to the point to where they truly understand what it means, but after nine-ball games, they know. They know, and now there is an accountability and responsibility on all of us, us as coaches and them as players, to get this right."
After their Week 10 Bye, the Texans will travel to Tennessee to face the Titans before a three-game home stretch against the Jets, Colts and Seahawks beginning in Week 12.
The next time you can see the Texans at NRG Stadium will be on November 28 as they host the New York Jets in Week 12. Kickoff is set for noon CT. Click here for tickets.
