- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,325
- Reaction score
- 59
An NFL team is more than its quarterback. That is certainly the case with the Houston Texans.
The Texans have the NFL's highest paid edge rusher in Will Anderson Jr. They have a top defense with pro bowl talent across the board. They have the statistics to prove it. Yet for many this offseason, the big story is the Texans' quarterback.
C.J. Stroud has had a strong start to his NFL career. In three seasons, he has attained several early milestones. Despite that fact, the narrative surrounding Stroud is uncertainty over whether or not he is a true franchise quarterback. It has NFL analysts across the league weighing in about what he brings as a signal caller.
Former NFL linebacker Manti Te'o gave his honest opinion on how C.J. Stroud is perceived across the league. Here's what he had to say about Stroud on the NFL Network.
“The narrative has always been ‘If C.J. Stroud can just play okay, if he could just be average, with that defense, they would win a Super Bowl.’ Guys, I don’t think people remember how this guy played his rookie year. This is a 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If C.J. Stroud can be a glimpse of that C.J. Stroud with that defense, put the crown on them, give them the Lombardi. Because you already know what they’re getting on the defensive side of the ball. You know what they’re getting in David Montgomery.
That’s the most intriguing part, is C.J. Stroud. If C.J. Stroud, and everything is (mental) for C.J. right now. He can throw the ball, he can run. It’s all mental. And I understand that mental gymnastics, when you’ve kind of lost the confidence a little bit. If he can get that swagger back that we saw in 2023, the Houston Texans will be a nightmare for a lot of people, not just on the defensive side of the ball.”
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Pat Jones II (91) pursues during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Stroud's struggles do appear to be mental. And while many acknowledge the positive aspect of playing alongside the NFL's best defense, few recognize the pressure that comes with it.
The Texans' defense puts a target on Stroud's back. When Houston loses, it's usually because they did not score enough points, rather than that they allowed too many scores. Never mind that Stroud was asked to overcome a deficient offensive line and nonexistent running game.
Both the running game and offensive line look to be improved if not fixed heading into the 2026 season, but that does not lessen the pressure. Stroud is playing for a second contract and trying to prove he is a franchise quarterback. The pressure will provide evidence of how capable the signal caller is through four seasons. He will look to make a statement when the season starts.
Continue reading...
The Texans have the NFL's highest paid edge rusher in Will Anderson Jr. They have a top defense with pro bowl talent across the board. They have the statistics to prove it. Yet for many this offseason, the big story is the Texans' quarterback.
C.J. Stroud has had a strong start to his NFL career. In three seasons, he has attained several early milestones. Despite that fact, the narrative surrounding Stroud is uncertainty over whether or not he is a true franchise quarterback. It has NFL analysts across the league weighing in about what he brings as a signal caller.
Former NFL linebacker Manti Te'o gave his honest opinion on how C.J. Stroud is perceived across the league. Here's what he had to say about Stroud on the NFL Network.
“The narrative has always been ‘If C.J. Stroud can just play okay, if he could just be average, with that defense, they would win a Super Bowl.’ Guys, I don’t think people remember how this guy played his rookie year. This is a 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If C.J. Stroud can be a glimpse of that C.J. Stroud with that defense, put the crown on them, give them the Lombardi. Because you already know what they’re getting on the defensive side of the ball. You know what they’re getting in David Montgomery.
That’s the most intriguing part, is C.J. Stroud. If C.J. Stroud, and everything is (mental) for C.J. right now. He can throw the ball, he can run. It’s all mental. And I understand that mental gymnastics, when you’ve kind of lost the confidence a little bit. If he can get that swagger back that we saw in 2023, the Houston Texans will be a nightmare for a lot of people, not just on the defensive side of the ball.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Pat Jones II (91) pursues during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Stroud's struggles do appear to be mental. And while many acknowledge the positive aspect of playing alongside the NFL's best defense, few recognize the pressure that comes with it.
The Texans' defense puts a target on Stroud's back. When Houston loses, it's usually because they did not score enough points, rather than that they allowed too many scores. Never mind that Stroud was asked to overcome a deficient offensive line and nonexistent running game.
Both the running game and offensive line look to be improved if not fixed heading into the 2026 season, but that does not lessen the pressure. Stroud is playing for a second contract and trying to prove he is a franchise quarterback. The pressure will provide evidence of how capable the signal caller is through four seasons. He will look to make a statement when the season starts.
Continue reading...
