The Houston Texans have made headlines in Week 12—but not for reasons their fans would celebrate.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud were met with unwelcome news as the NFL’s latest Gameday Accountability report revealed significant fines levied against three Texans players. The league’s crackdown on unnecessary roughness landed Houston with the distinction of having the most fined players for the week.
Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Neville Hewitt, along with safety M.J. Stewart, were collectively charged more than $39,000. Al-Shaair and Hewitt were each fined $11,255 for late hits, while Stewart received a steeper penalty of $16,883 for a blindside block. The incidents occurred during a tightly contested 27-32 loss to their division rivals, the Tennessee Titans.
Al-Shaair’s infraction took place late in the second quarter, adding fuel to an already intense matchup. Hewitt’s penalty came deep in the fourth quarter when the Texans were desperately trying to mount a comeback. Stewart’s blindside block, however, was particularly costly, occurring with less than two minutes left in regulation.
The NFL’s decision to fine Stewart $16,883 put him among the most penalized players of the week, tying with another defender from a different team. Both players’ actions were deemed serious enough to warrant second-highest fines of Week 12. This further illustrates the league’s ongoing emphasis on player safety, especially regarding hits deemed excessive or dangerous.
For Ryans, a first-year head coach navigating a rebuilding Texans roster, this marks yet another challenge. His defense, while aggressive and competitive, has walked a fine line between hard-nosed play and penalties that hurt the team. Al-Shaair and Hewitt’s late hits, though seemingly minor, underscore the importance of discipline, particularly in tight games against division rivals.
C.J. Stroud, who continues to shine in his rookie season, has remained focused amid the distractions. While the young quarterback wasn’t directly involved in the penalties, the mounting fines could impact the Texans’ morale and game-day strategy. Stroud’s leadership will be critical in keeping the team unified as they prepare for a tough stretch of games.
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The broader context of these fines highlights how Houston’s aggressive defensive approach has both helped and hurt them this season. Ryans, a former linebacker himself, has instilled a hard-hitting mentality. However, balancing that aggression with discipline will be crucial if the Texans hope to remain competitive in the AFC South.
Interestingly, the NFL handed down a total of 16 fines in Week 12, with nearly 20% of those penalties going to Texans players. It’s a statistic that won’t sit well with Ryans, who has preached accountability and smart play since taking over. The fines are a stark reminder that even minor infractions can have significant financial and competitive consequences.
Neville Hewitt and Azeez Al-Shaair, both key contributors on defense, now face scrutiny not just for their play on the field but also for how they handle the aftermath of these fines. Their ability to adjust and avoid similar penalties in future games will be closely watched. Stewart, whose blindside block drew the heftiest fine, will likely face internal discussions about the importance of cleaner play.
Despite the setbacks, Ryans and his staff remain focused on the bigger picture. The Texans have shown flashes of promise throughout the season, and Stroud’s development continues to be a bright spot. However, if they hope to contend seriously in the coming weeks, discipline will need to be a priority across the board.
In a season filled with ups and downs, this latest challenge offers an opportunity for Ryans to reinforce his message of smart, aggressive play. As the Texans regroup and prepare for their next game, the spotlight will remain on how they respond—not just to fines but to the broader call for accountability and clean football.
