It's time for a Texans reality check

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Today's starting lineup

The Texans' 2-4 start is not what many people expected from a team coming off consecutive division titles. But it's time for a reality check: DeMeco Ryans needs to admit that his team isn't as good as he thinks it is, writes Jonathan M. Alexander

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans is seen during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Time to admit the obvious

Through six games, it's become clear the Texans' roster lacks the talent necessary to compete with the NFL’s best teams, writes Jonathan M. Alexander.

Angry mailbag: With the team 2-4, Texans fans are directing their ire at general manager Nick Caserio and offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander answers questions from some frustrated readers. Read More
Stroud still believes: C.J. Stroud is keeping the faith despite the Texans putting up their worst offensive performance of the season against the Seahawks. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant leaves the court after fouling out during the second overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Photo by: Nate Billings, Associated Press

KD got away with one

The NBA said the referees should have awarded a technical free throw to the Thunder after Kevin Durant signaled for a timeout his team didn't have in overtime of Tuesday's opener.

NBA viewer's guide: The NBA welcomes in two new TV/streaming partners this season as its 11-year media rights deal kicks in. We sort out the particulars. Read More

UH Football

Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez (92) celebrates with fans after hitting a 41-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired to give the Cougars a 31-28 win over Arizona during the second half of a NCAA college football game at TDECU Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Why not them?

Arizona State went from 3-9 and picked last in the Big 12 to a conference title last season. Now, it's Houston's turn, from 4-8 last season to 6-1 so far as the Cougars face the Sun Devils this weekend.

Key ASU weapon out: Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, the Big 12 leader in three main receiving categories, has been ruled out for Saturday's game against UH. Read More
Big 12 rankings: Texas Tech drops from the top spot after being upset last week while UH keeps rising into the upper half of the power rankings. Read More

Texas A&M Football

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 18: Mike Washington Jr. #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball in the first half and is chased by Dalton Brooks #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Fayetteville, Ark. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Photo by: Wesley Hitt, Getty Images

'Real message' sent

Texas A&M safety Dalton Brooks discussed the message head coach Mike Elko delivered to the team following a porous defensive performance against Arkansas.