Okay, here’s a rewrite of the article with a more conversational and human tone, aiming for readability and engagement:
Houston’s Next-Man-Up Mentality: Can Rookies Fill the Void?
HOUSTON – Picture this: C.J. Stroud steps into the huddle, ready to face that tough Seattle Seahawks defense. But things look different this time around.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year is missing some key players. Nico Collins, his go-to receiver, is sidelined with a concussion. And Christian Kirk, the reliable slot receiver, is out with a hamstring injury – his second of the season!
Suddenly, the Texans offense faces a challenge. Without Collins and Kirk, how will they move the ball?
The answer, it seems, lies with the next generation. As they gear up for a Sunday showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, the Texans are banking on veteran tight end Dalton Schultz, and a trio of rookies: Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson.
Coach DeMeco Ryans is keeping it simple, “I just want to see Higgins and Noel do what they’ve done, and that’s just be the guys they are,” Ryans said. “They don’t have to do anything extra. If their roles are increased, great. It means more opportunities for those guys to make plays, but they don’t have to go out and be someone else.
“They just need to be themselves and be the guys who we saw at Iowa State make play after play after play because they did it the right way. So, that’s what they have to go do.”
And one rookie in particular seems ready for the spotlight: Jaylin Noel
Noel’s Time to Shine?
Noel is coming off his best performance of the season, a game where he celebrated his first NFL touchdown with an impression of Ray Lewis’ signature “Squirrel” dance. Against the Seahawks, Noel snagged a season-high four passes for 77 yards, including a crucial 29-yard reception.
[YouTube Link to Noel’s Highlights]
“My preparation stays the same, preparing like I’m the No. 1 guy mentally,” Noel said. “So just having full confidence in myself, full confidence in my teammates that we’ll be able to go out there and be successful. I would say it’s a big difference from Week One to now, just kinda settling in and understanding what my process is each week and then going into the game, knowing what to expect, the speed of the game.”
[YouTube Link to another Noel highlight reel]
Known for his explosiveness and elusiveness, the former Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year is eager to build on his recent success.
“I feel like I made some some good plays, but, for me, I’m always looking what I can get better at and there was a few things on the tape I felt like I could get better at personally and just continuing to work on my route execution, hand combat, the line of scrimmage,” Noel said. “It’s always good to have good plays, but I’m always looking at what I can get better at.”
Noel’s athleticism is no secret—he ran a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash and leaped 41.5 inches at the combine. Drafted in the third round, he joins fellow Iowa State alum and friend Jayden Higgins in Houston.
Ryans certainly noticed. “Jaylin Noel, he was phenomenal,” Ryans said. “He showed up. He was probably our most explosive player when it came to pushing the ball downfield. Again, we have multiple guys who can make those plays. It’s just a matter of mixing it up, getting the ball to him.
“I thought he showed up big time for us in some real critical moments there at the end of the half and also on a big-time fourth down catch for us to extend the drive. Jaylin has that big play ability in him. So, I’m excited to see him continue to flourish in that role.”
So far, Noel has 9 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. His teammate Higgins has 9 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Higgins Hungers for Another Opportunity
“Really, what they’ve been doing: continue to show up and run great routes,” Stroud said. “I think whatever they’re doing in practice, which has been really good, will get it done in the game. So, just taking the practice to the game, the meetings to the practice and I think that’ll be the key recipe for them to have success on Sunday. I’m in full faith with them. I think they’re ready and I’m excited to see them roll.”
After six games, Higgins has nine receptions for 121 yards and one score on 13 targets.
The rookie had his moments early on, including a strong showing against the Ravens that followed his first NFL touchdown. But the Seahawks game was a different story, with no catches on three targets.
“I always feel good,” Higgins said. “I always feel like I can go out there and make a play whenever my number is called. So, that’s where I stand.
“The biggest thing, it comes down to the little details, making sure we’re executing in the moment when the play comes and I know C.J. is gonna give me a good ball more times than not. For me, it’s just making sure I’m winning and going out there and making the play.”
[YouTube Link to Higgins Highlights]
Schultz Holds it Down
While the rookies get their chance, Stroud can still rely on Dalton Schultz
Schultz has been a rock for Stroud, and leads the Texans with 30 catches for 284 yards.
“He’s super reliable, not only just on the field, but off the field,” Stroud said. “He’s somebody that I talk to about a lot of different things and he’s been great.
“He’s been a brother to me and somebody that I’m very grateful to have a teammate like him and I think he had a great game on Monday, but he’s looking good every week and just got to keep finding ways to get him the ball. He’s been very helpful.”
Schultz is providing leadership on and off the field.
“Dude, every time every time you go out you’re trying to make plays for a quarterback, trying to make plays for a team,” Schultz said. “To answer your question, that’s exactly what we try to do.”
Still, all the catches in the world weren’t enough. The Texans fell short against the Seahawks, 27-19.
“Dude, we didn’t do enough,” Schultz said. “We came up a score short. So whatever the performance is, I think it doesn’t matter.”
[YouTube Link to Schultz Highlights]
Schultz has been impressed by what he’s seen from the rookies.
“They’re workers,” he said. “Biggest thing is make sure you’re ready whenever it’s your time. If that means more snaps, that means more balls, then so be it. I know their process and I know they’ve been going about it the right way. So, yeah, they gotta step up.”
The Road Ahead
With injuries creating opportunities, it’s time for these young players to prove what they can do. Can Noel and Higgins step up and become reliable targets for Stroud? Can Schultz continue to be a steady force?
Texans fans will be watching closely as the next chapter unfolds.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and clck2houston.com
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