Fifth Down

The Houston Texans face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville. The Texans need a win to stay in the playoff hunt? Can they do it? It'll take another solid performance from backup quarterback Davis Mills. Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Houston Chronicle Texans Insider Guest: Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle Pro Sports Trending reporter Background reading: Texans vs. Titans: C.J. Stroud's health, Danielle Hunter's dominance and Sunday's biggest challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss what went wrong vs. the Broncos, and how the Texans can defeat the Jaguars on Sunday. Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans Insider, (@jonmalexander) Guests: Sam Warren, Pro Sports Trending reporter, (@samwarren_3) Davis Mills, Texans QB Producers: Rachel Crocker Jeremy Mims Background reading: Texans had interest in Jets RB Breece Hall at the trade deadline Inside Davis Mills' wild journey to starting at QB for the Texans --- again Photo by Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle staff photographer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle's Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander talks with Sam Warren about Sunday's matchup between the Texans and the Denver Broncos, and whether they believe it's possible the Texans will win. They also break down what went right last week against the 49ers. Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans Insider Guest: Sam Warren, Pro Sports Trending reporter Background reading: Pregame prayers, text chains and support groups: The angst and excitement of being an NFL mom 'Houston No. 57 has reported as eligible.' How Blake Fisher and jumbo set are pushing Texans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After coming off a bye week in Week 6, the Texans were embarrassed on the road against the Seattle Seahawks 27-19 on Monday Night Football. It set up a must-win game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at NRG Stadium. It's a game that could make or break the Texans season. The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss those implications and what's gone wrong for Houston. Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans Insider Guest: Sam Warren, Pro Sports Trending Reporter Producers: Rachel Crocker and Jeremy Mims of Pirate Audio Background reading: Alexander: DeMeco Ryans must admit the obvious: This Texans team lacks talent to go far Analysis: Houston Texans look more like pretenders than contenders vs. Seattle Seahawks Film review: Missed throws, wrong routes and poor play calls Mailbag: How to assess Nick Caserio's performance as Texans' GM. Is Nick Caley's seat hot? Subscribe to the Houston Chronicle to get all the latest Texans, Rockets, Astros and college sports news. Also, subscribe to this podcast on Apple and Spotify. Follow Jonathan M. Alexander on X at @jonmalexander, and @jonmalexander_ on IG and Tiktok. Follow Sam Warren on social media at @samwarren_3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who is in his third season with the team, has started to see more playing time as a receiver because of the offseason improvements he made. Hutchinson is motivated by his older brother Quinton, who taught him all he knows, but is also currently in prison for a parole violation. Hutchinson goes in depth about his story, his path and his motivation. Background reading: Motivated to make his brother proud, Xavier Hutchinson becoming a needed weapon for Houston Texans Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter for The Houston Chronicle Producers: Rachel Crocker, Jeremy Mims, Pirate Audio Subscribe today at https://www.houstonchronicle.com/project/podcasts/texans-insider-podcast/ or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Texans will travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Monday Night Football. It'll be a big test for Houston (2-3), which is coming off its bye week. Seattle is 4-2 and has been one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Chronicle journalists Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren sit down to discuss whether the Texans are actually improving, and are later joined by The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar to preview the game between the Seahawks and Texans. Host: Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter for The Houston Chronicle Guests: Sam Warren, Pro Sports Trending reporter for The Houston Chronicle Michael-Shawn Dugar, Seahawks beat reporter for The Athletic, and author of "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks." Producers: Rachel Crocker, Pirate Audio Jeremy Mims, Pirate Audio Background reading: The Houston Texans want to establish the run. But can they do it against the Seattle Seahawks? Houston Texans' rookies rested, reset during off week with eye on making greater contributions Subscribe today at https://www.houstonchronicle.com/project/podcasts/texans-insider-podcast/ or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander and Trending Pro Sports reporter Sam Warren discuss the Houston Texans' 2-3 start, their blowout win over the Ravens, and whether this recent success can continue. Background reading: Four things the Texans must focus on to keep their win streak alive The Texans changed the narrative after decisive win over the Ravens What GM Nick Caserio had to say at his bye week press conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander goes behind the scenes of his Sunday feature on rookie running back Woody Marks, his background, and how he became the spark the Texans needed on offense. Alexander speaks with Marks, his mother, C.J. Stroud, and several of his other teammates about Marks. Background reading: How Woody Marks became the spark the Texans needed to jumpstart their offense. For more information on today's episode : https://www.houstonchronicle.com/project/podcasts/texans-insider-podcast/ or on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander speaks with Baltimore Banner Ravens beat reporter Giana Han about the Ravens' vast injury list, including Lamar Jackson, and what she expects in Sunday's game between the Ravens and the Texans. Guests: Giana Han, Ravens beat reporter for the Baltimore Banner Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle Background reading: Lamar Jackson is 'out.' Why this is the Texans' best chance to defeat the Ravens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans Insider Jonathan M. Alexander and Pro Sports Trending reporter Sam Warren discuss the Texans win over the Titans and whether they can sustain their explosion on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the things that continue to go wrong for the Texans after their latest loss to the Jaguars and whether it can be fixed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss who was at fault and where Houston goes from here after dropping their second game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Texans lost their opening game to the Rams 14-9. Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the loss and how the Texans can rebound against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle Texans insider Jonathan M. Alexander is joined by investigative reporter Dylan McGuinness to discuss their reporting in their latest story on the Texans exploring what it would take to build a new stadium, and how all of this came to be.   For background reading:   + Exclusive: Houston Texans may seek public money to build new football stadium + Why is Harris County on the hook for maintaining the Texans' stadium? The answer lies in the Astrodome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander talk about the Texans decision to move on from Bobby Slowik, and discuss who they should hire as the next play-caller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down the Texans' win over the Los Angeles Chargers, why it went well, and look ahead at their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. They discuss whether the Texans can pull off the upset.   Further reading:   + Why the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are the best matchup for the Houston Texans + How C.J. Stroud's miraculous plays sparked Texans to playoff win over Chargers. 'C.J.'s a baller' + DeMeco Ryans praises unsung heroes in win over Chargers. 'Everybody who suits up is our best player' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren breakdown the Texans wild-card matchup with the Chargers on Saturday and discuss whether Houston can make a run in the playoffs.   Further reading:   'It's a new season': Texans take step in the right direction with win over Titans as playoffs loom How do Houston Texans match up with Los Angeles Chargers in first-round playoff How Texans approach the playoffs after up-and-down season: 'Let's go play ... nothing else matters' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down the Texans embarrassing 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and whether there should be concern about C.J. Stroud and the offense as they get set for the playoffs.   Further reading:   + With C.J. Stroud and the offense struggling, Texans are in dangerous territory ahead of playoffs   + What went wrong for C.J. Stroud in loss to Ravens: overthrows, miscues and sacks | Texans film study   + Texans are locked in at No. 4 seed in AFC playoffs. Who will they face?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down the Texans latest win over the Dolphins, and what that game showed. They also discuss whether the Texans have enough to be competitive in December.   Further reading:   + Houston Texans show formula that can work in playoffs: Create turnovers and capitalize | Alexander   + Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins show their connective skills on TDs vs. Miami | Film study   + From Joe Mixon's ankle to AFC playoff seedings, what we learned in Houston Texans' win over Dolphins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension, what the NFL got wrong, and look ahead at their remaining four games and what they need to work on.   Further reading:   + Character assassination of Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair goes too far | Alexander   + What's with Christian Harris? Will Tank Dell get more action? | Houston Texans mailbag   + A win is a win, but Texans' coverage breakdowns must be rectified | Film study   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss how much trouble the Texans are in after their latest loss to the Tennessee Titans and answer readers' Thanksgiving questions.   Further reading:   + The reality concerning Texans: Deeply flawed team isn't as good as we thought it was | Alexander + 5 things we learned from the Houston Texans' loss to the Tennessee Titans + Why Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon kept getting stopped in his tracks vs. Titans | Film study + Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud admits he's not playing up to his standard. 'I got to be better' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the Houston Texans' 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys, why they were better in the second half and what it means for their standing in the AFC.   Further reading:   + How C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans took step in right direction with strong second half against Cowboys   + 'Dancing to the end zone': Derek Barnett gives Texans boost with score on rare double-fumble play   + Nico Collins quickly shows why he's a game-changer for Texans as he returns in win over Cowboys   + 'Like Rocky beating Apollo Creed': Why Houston Texans' inaugural win over Cowboys still resonates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren talk about the Texans loss to the Lions, and answer questions from readers on the latest episode of Texans Insider Podcast.Further reading: Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confident WR Nico Collins will be ready to go vs. Cowboys Five things, including some positives, we learned from Houston Texans' Week 10 loss to Detroit Lions Houston Texans film room: How the Lions stuffed Joe Mixon and the running game The Houston Texans don't know how to finish. Collapse against the Detroit Lions is latest example Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the Texans loss to the Jets and preview Houston's game on Sunday Night Football versus the Detriot Lions in Week 10.   Further reading:   Texans' offense needs change after 'embarrassing' loss to Jets on Thursday Night Football | Analysis   Houston Texans film study: How pass rush vs. Jets changed without Will Anderson Jr. on field Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss Stefon Diggs injury, takeaways from the win over the Colts, and their upcoming game against the New York Jets.   Further reading:   5 things we learned about the Houston Texans after their Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts   Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans isn't going negative on Kenyon Green                                                                                                              Houston Texans improve in win over Colts, but O-line still has issues protecting Stroud | Analysis   Houston Texans defense makes the stops on Colts it couldn't against Packers to preserve win Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down the Texans loss to the Packers, their level of concern moving forward, potential O-Line changes and where they go from here ahead of their game against the Colts. Further reading: Houston Texans' struggles in passing game brought to fore in loss to Packers | Analysis Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans intent on fixing O-line breakdowns by any means Houston Texans' Stefon Diggs on pregame altercation with Packers: 'I'm never the bigger person' 5 takeaways from the Houston Texans' loss to the Green Bay Packers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the Texans' win over the Patriots, the suspension of defensive tackle Mario Edwards, and their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers.   Further reading: Texans' Mario Edwards suspended four games as fellow DL Denico Autry returns from suspension   Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans: Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love presents toughest challenge yet   Houston Texans show how a fierce running game can make life minus Nico Collins manageable | Analysis   5 takeaways from the Houston Texans' blowout victory over the Patriots   Will Anderson Jr. joins J.J. Watt in Houston Texans record book in win over New England Patriots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the Texans latest win over the Buffalo Bills, what it means, and look ahead at their matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday.   Further reading:   Houston Texans' win over Buffalo Bills proves they can be elite. But it came with a price   5 takeaways from the Houston Texans' win over the Buffalo Bills   Texans film room: Defense's pressure thwarts Bills quarterback Josh Allen   Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins 'week to week' with hamstring injury suffered in win over Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander talks with several Texans players and one barber about the importance of haircuts among NFL athletes and the Black community and how it has become one of their most important pre-game routines.   For further reading:   Shear magic: How a haircut has become Houston Texans players' secret to success on gameday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander breaks down five things from the Houston Texans victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and looks ahead at their upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills, in what will be a revenge game for Stefon Diggs.   Background reading:   Analysis: C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins are on fire. But penalties remain Texans' biggest issue   How a talk from DeMeco Ryans helped turned the Texans defense around vs the Jaguars   Dare Ogunbowale comes through for Houston Texans, his WNBA superstar sister Arike Ogunbowale   Shear magic: How a haircut has become Houston Texans players' secret to success on gameday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss what went wrong in the Houston Texans loss to the Minnesota Vikings, how much you should blame penalties, and where they go from here as they get set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.   Further reading:   • Analysis: Loss to the Vikings, shows how far Texans must go to be considered elite • Illegal formations and false starts. It wasn't the noise. • 5 things we learned from the Houston Texans' loss to the Minnesota Vikings • 'It's disrespectful': Vikings' Jonathan Greenard on former team blocking him with tight end Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans beat writers Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren discuss the hip drop tackle that injured Joe Mixon, preview their game against the Vikings and more. Read more from our reporters here: The Houston Texans struggled to run against Bears. Here's why Houston Texans will send film of hip-drop tackle on Joe Mixon to NFL for review, DeMeco Ryans says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren break down the Texans win over the Colts last Sunday and look at their upcoming matchup against the Bears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander is joined by Jon Poorman to talk about the Texans wide receiver group and what to watch for in the preseason game against the Giants. Read more on the Texans here: Texans camp: C.J. Stroud's and Stefon Diggs' connection is growing stronger Nico Collins is an ego-less receiver. Why he's poised for another big year for the Houston Texans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Brett Coomer sat with Andre Johnson for a one-on-one interview to talk about being the first Texans player inducted into the Hall of Fame, his upbringing and his best moments as a Texan. For further reading: How Texans great Andre Johnson became one of Houston's biggest stars en route to the Hall of Fame 'The ultimate competitor': Andre Johnson's QBs on playing with Texans' Hall of Fame receiver Sign up for Jonathan's new newsletter, Texans Insider, where he will provide you with exclusive Texans content and insider coverage on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans beat reporter Jonathan M. Alexander is joined by a couple of guests to breakdown what's happened so far in training camp, and who is leading some position battles for the Houston Texas football team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans beat reporter Jonathan M. Alexander interviewed new Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair about his journey, why helping the homeless is important to him, why he held Will Anderson Jr. accountable and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans beat reporter Jonathan M. Alexander is joined by sports reporter Jon Poorman to break down what they saw from minicamp, as well as what the Texans need heading into training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Matt Young break down the Texans' 2024 schedule, along with some record predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander is joined by former Chronicle sports reporter John McClain to talk about J.J. Watt, the Texans' Super Bowl aspirations and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jerome Solomon and Jonathan M. Alexander breaks down the Texans' latest draft class and what to make of it. Read more of our reporting of the draft here: Houston Texans' 2024 draft class: Why they were picked and what they're saying Houston Texans roster is deepest and most competitive in GM Nick Caserio's tenure but has one hole Houston Texans undrafted free agent tracker: Which rookies have signed since NFL draft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Jerome Solomon breakdown what the Texans could do in the 2024 NFL draft and give their take on the Texans' new uniforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices