'When He Call, We Ball!' Bobby Slowik Proves Elite Status in Texans Wild Card Win vs. Browns
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans advanced to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs Saturday night during a 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. They played a complete game on all three levels, headlined by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud became the youngest starting quarterback in league history to win a playoff game, finishing with 274 yards and three touchdowns while going 16 of 21 from the pocket. Stroud has received praise for leading the Texans to their first postseason victory since 2019.
However, when it comes to diverting the applauds, Stroud credited his success to offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who "did a great job" orchestrating one of his most impressive games of the year.
Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik before a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"When he call, we ball," Stroud said. "He knew to mix it up a little bit. We wanted to throw the ball early just to set the tone that we were going to not shy away from anything... When you have an OC that's going to be aggressive and take care of the football, really that's a recipe for success."
Slowik is currently a hot candidate among the league's seven head coaching vacancies. And in a rematch against the Browns, the first-year play-caller proved how he became a favorable contender.
The offense accounted for 31 of the Texans' 45 points, which began with Stroud connecting with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 15-yard touchdown. Collins' play was made possible with Slowik utilizing tight end Brevin Jordan's blocking attributes in motion, which allowed tackle Laremy Tunsil to help free Collins amid his yards after catch.
On the next possession, Slowik utilized Jordan's pass-catching skills and speed, which led to a 76-yard touchdown pass from Stroud.
"We're a very explosive team," Stroud said. "I think this is the best that we've played so far... Bobby did a great job, our O-line, our tight ends, running backs, our receivers, our defense, scoring points. We talk about that all the time. It's really cool to see it come to fruition."
In his first season at the helm as the Texans' offensive coordinator, Houston's offense improved dramatically under Slowik. They finished the regular season ranked 12th in yards, averaging 342.4 and scoring 22.2 points.
Before the Texans' Wild Card victory over the Browns, Slowik said he hadn't thought about whether or not he would accept any of the interview requests for a head coaching job. His top priority is to help the Texans reach their ultimate goal of winning in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.
The Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have requested to interview Slowik. Other coaching vacancies that will likely pursue the first-time offensive coordinator are the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.
"Everyone’s energy right now in this organization is devoted to, ‘how do we play one more game?,' Slowik said. "We really have, what I believe is a special group of individuals. I know offensively there are guys in that room that I just can’t imagine having to do this without right now. To really, as much as we can, just find a way to get four more games out of this.'
