The 2023 Texans have something that the last few Texans' teams didn't- confidence. With a new coaching staff and several new veterans in the locker room, the culture is being rebuilt in Houston. 

With a rookie QB at the helm and several new starters, fans can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. While optimistic, it's probably fair to say that most in Houston are not expecting to contend in 2023. 

However, one new addition is optimistic that he can regain his previous form.

Veteran WR Robert Woods signed with the Texans this offseason after being released by the division-rival Titans. 

Woods had a 2022 season to forget, ending with the lowest yardage total of his career. The Titans had an anemic passing attack in 2022, finishing 30th in passing yards per game. 

However, Woods wants people to know that he does not anticipate putting up similar numbers in 2023. 

“I had my fewest yards and might have just as well had my second-fewest attempts [last year]. I’m able to make the plays and do more with more,” Woods told DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “It’s just about getting the opportunity to make plays and help contribute to the team. That’s what I’m hoping to do here in Houston, have opportunities to make big plays and be myself and do what I’m capable of doing.”

Woods added that he "most definitely" can still be a 1,000-yard receiver. Woods eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2018 and 2019 and came just shy in 2020. 

The veteran should have plenty of opportunities to make plays in Houston. The Texans seemingly are missing a true number-one receiver, so Woods could receive a boatload of targets. It will be between Woods, fellow veteran Noah Brown, John Metchie III, rookie Tank Dell, and the incumbent Nico Collins to make plays in 2023. 

If Woods can get back to the sure-handed, fantastic route-runner he was in Los Angeles, the Texans could have gotten a steal. 

Featured image via © Christopher Hanewinc | 2022 Dec 11