BREAKING: The Houston Texans' offense impressed in their game against the Tennessee Titans, but it was a rookie who stole the show with C.J. Stroud. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the young prospect earned the highest grade among his teammates, even outscoring some veterans in scoring a touchdown pass.
BREAKING: Texans Rookie Woody Marks Steals the Show With C.J. Stroud in Win Over Titans, Earns Top PFF Grade
The Houston Texans’ offense turned heads in their clash with the Tennessee Titans, delivering one of their most balanced performances of the young season. While franchise quarterback
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Marks earned the highest grade among all Houston offensive players, even surpassing established veterans in efficiency and impact. His breakout performance, highlighted by a touchdown reception, provided yet another reason for Texans fans to be excited about the future.
A Rookie Making His Mark
Coming out of Mississippi State, Woody Marks was known for his versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Still, few expected him to make such an immediate impact at the NFL level. Against the Titans, Marks proved that he’s more than just a depth piece—he could be a weapon for Stroud and head coach
Marks finished the game with a strong stat line, but his performance went beyond the numbers. He displayed excellent vision in the running game, patience behind his offensive line, and the ability to turn short passes into big gains. His touchdown reception in the second half not only electrified the crowd but also cemented his role as a reliable option in Houston’s offensive scheme.
Stroud and Marks: A Promising Connection
The chemistry between Stroud and Marks was impossible to ignore. On the touchdown play, Stroud read the Titans’ defense perfectly, recognizing the mismatch as Marks leaked out of the backfield. Delivering a perfectly timed pass, Stroud gave Marks the opportunity to do what he does best—accelerate into open space.
Marks caught the ball cleanly, turned upfield, and powered past defenders for six points. It was the kind of play that showcased not just his athleticism but also his football IQ. For Stroud, having a reliable check-down and playmaker like Marks only adds another dimension to Houston’s offense.
PFF’s Seal of Approval
Pro Football Focus graded Marks as the top offensive performer for the Texans, an impressive feat considering the roster features seasoned veterans like Nico Collins,
Analysts noted that Marks excelled not only with the ball in his hands but also in pass protection—an area where many rookies struggle. His ability to pick up blitzes and protect Stroud further solidified his value to the team.
Veteran Teammates Take Notice
After the game, several Texans veterans were quick to praise the rookie. Stroud himself smiled when asked about Marks’ touchdown, saying:
“Woody has been working his tail off since camp. I trust him, and he showed today why he belongs. He’s tough, smart, and explosive. That touchdown was just the beginning.”
Running back Dameon Pierce, who has been the Texans’ primary back, also offered encouraging words:
“I love what Woody brings. He’s hungry, and he’s making all of us better. We’re gonna need everybody this season, and he showed tonight he’s ready.”
A Sign of Houston’s Bright Future
For years, Texans fans have longed for a team capable of competing consistently in the AFC South. With Stroud emerging as one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks and rookies like Marks stepping up, the future looks bright in Houston.
DeMeco Ryans has emphasized building a culture of accountability and growth, and performances like Marks’ prove that philosophy is working. Instead of being intimidated by the moment, Marks embraced it, helping his team not only on the stat sheet but also in terms of energy and momentum.
The Titans Left Searching for Answers
On the flip side, the Tennessee Titans struggled to contain Houston’s dynamic offense. While their defensive front tried to pressure Stroud, Houston’s offensive line held firm, and Marks’ ability to slip out into space kept the Titans on their heels. For Tennessee, the inability to stop a rookie in key situations underscored the issues that have plagued their defense this season.
What Comes Next
The Texans’ win over the Titans was more than just another notch in the standings—it was a statement about the team’s depth and resilience. If Woody Marks continues to develop and build on this breakout performance, Houston could have yet another offensive weapon to pair with Stroud for years to come.
For Marks, the key will be consistency. One breakout game doesn’t define a career, but it can certainly ignite one. The rookie’s PFF grade and touchdown have already set expectations sky-high, and if his performance against Tennessee is any indication, he’s ready to deliver.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans showed plenty of promise in their victory over the Tennessee Titans, but the story of the night was rookie Woody Marks. From his touchdown reception to his stellar all-around play, Marks proved he’s more than just a rookie—he’s a rising star.
With Stroud at the helm and Marks emerging as a versatile weapon, the Texans’ offense is beginning to look like one of the NFL’s most exciting young units. If Houston continues to develop its young talent, this season could be the start of something truly special.
Jayden Daniels’ Limp at End of Commanders Game Sparks MRI Report
On a one-yard run late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels was tackled awkwardly by Packers ED Kingsley Enagbare. His lower body got twisted up, and Daniels had a noticeable limp the rest of the way in a 27-18 loss on Thursday night.
On Friday, Daniels underwent an MRI to determine the extent of the damage, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. What exactly was imaged with this MRI, and the results of it, have not yet been reported.
Daniels finished 24/42 for 200 yards and two touchdowns passing to go with seven carries for 17 yards on the ground. For most of the game, the Packers kept the explosive Commanders offense in check, dominating at the line of scrimmage and giving Daniels very little room to work. Washington’s first touchdown didn’t come until the 13:45 mark in the fourth quarter.
Washington’s next game is against the Las Vegas Raider at home on September 21.
Injuries Mounting Early for the Washington Commanders
Michael Reaves/GettyGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders reacts on the ground against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter in the game at Lambeau Field on September 11, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It was a costly game for the Commanders, in more ways than one. Not only were they largely noncompetitive against a top NFC contender, but the game left them banged up in some key areas.
It goes beyond Daniels’ uncertain injury situation, too. Commanders RB Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter, ending his season. ED Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered a season-ending quad injury, as well. Ekeler and Wise were two important veterans on this team.
It’s a long season, and it’s only Week 2. Suffering two season-ending losses in the Packers game is a major blow for Washington. Hopefully, Daniels’ condition isn’t serious and the MRI was mostly precautionary. We may not know more until next week’s practice injury reports, however.
The Washington Commanders Face a Tough Road in a Loaded NFC
Most NFL teams haven’t even kicked off Week 2 yet. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned early in this season, it’s that the NFC is stacked. Even just in the NFC East, the Eagles and Cowboys both look like playoff contenders. The Vikings found a way to win with J.J. McCarthy, the Falcons might be improved, and the NFC West is always a gauntlet.
Stacking wins over the next few weeks will be critical for the Commanders to stay apace in the NFC playoff race. They face the Raiders, Falcons, Chargers, and Bears in their next four games, an important stretch for their season. If they can go 3-1, that would be huge. Because after that, they play the Cowboys, Chiefs, Seahawks, Lions, Dolphins, Broncos, Vikings — and then they play the Eagles twice and the Cowboys again in a three-week stretch to close the season.
If Daniels is hurt and is forced to miss time, it’ll make it much harder for Washington to stay competitive. These next few weeks could be season-defining for the Commanders, and they’d better be up for the test after that.
