Bobby Slowik 'Dialed Up' Offense vs. Colts
The Houston Texans fell to the Indianapolis Colts 31-20 in their second regular season game on Sunday afternoon. Although they didn't win the home opener, many young players made their case for why Houston should have their support.
Despite not finishing with the most receiving yards, quarterback C.J. Stroud's favorite target was fellow rookie Tank Dell, who hauled in 7-of-10 targets for 72 yards and his first career touchdown from 23 yards out.
Dell revealed during Monday's press conference that he plans on giving the touchdown ball to his mom and credited offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik for a day and moment that he'll never forget.
"I feel like (Slowik) dialed up a great game plan for me, Nico (Collins), Rob (Woods) and all the receivers," Dell said. "We all got some touches and showed what we're capable of doing throughout the season, so it was good."
Dell has stood out on the Texans roster since training camp for his versatility, speed and explosive footwork. The third-round pick shouted out Stroud and cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley for helping him understand opposing defenses since then, but Slowik is "doing a great job" in other areas in addition.
"(Slowik) is definitely all ears, man," Dell said. "If we ask him to (try a new play), he's down to dial it up. That's good for us and him as a coach because you want someone...who's going to say 'I understand what you're saying and I'm gonna try my best to get involved.' We have that type of OC who's gonna listen and open up for us."
Nevertheless, as good of a game plan that Slowik dialed up for the air attack—Stroud threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns—Dell admitted that he and the receivers have "to get open faster" in the future.
"We just try to be there for C.J. the best we can," Dell said. "(We want to) get in and out of our routes, so he can deliver the ball with precision and on time."
As Week 3 looms, Slowik, Dell and the rest of the receivers have plenty of time to solve this issue.
In 2022, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers while Slowik was their offensive coordinator. After Ryans was hired by the Texans, he brought Slowik with him to help develop the offense. It's clear that he's already made a profound impact on his new team.
