During their last encounter at NRG Stadium in September, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams faced off in a close game that ended 19-13 in favor of the Texans. After the game, Stroud approached Williams at midfield and offered him some advice regarding his performance, particularly highlighting the number of sacks Williams had endured.
Williams had been sacked seven times in that matchup, prompting Stroud to caution him about taking too many hits. Although Williams initially appeared to dismiss the advice, Stroud insisted that learning from those mistakes was crucial, emphasizing the importance of protecting oneself on the field.
Fanatics Fest Panel Brings Quarterbacks Together Again
At the recent Fanatics Fest event in New York City, Stroud and Williams reunited during a panel session that also featured legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. In a lighthearted moment, Stroud joked about his earlier advice, saying,
I don’t know if Caleb likes my advice.
—C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback
This interaction highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit between the two young quarterbacks, both working to improve their game early in their careers.
Williams’ Struggles with Pass Protection in 2024 Season
Caleb Williams faced significant challenges during the 2024 season, enduring 68 sacks, the highest in the league. While much of the responsibility was placed on the Chicago Bears’ struggling offensive line, Williams was also noted for holding on to the ball too long rather than releasing it quickly, resulting in increased pressure and hits.
Similarly, C.J. Stroud experienced 52 sacks last season with the Texans, so he understands the difficulties of facing heavy defensive pressure. Recognizing this shared experience, both teams addressed their offensive line weaknesses during the offseason in hopes of better protecting their quarterbacks moving forward.
Stroud’s Outlook After a Challenging Sophomore Year
Following a sophomore season that included 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, Stroud is eager to build momentum and improve his performances in the coming year. The Ohio State product enjoyed a stronger rookie campaign and is aiming for a return to that level of success.
The ongoing developments for both Stroud and Williams will be closely watched, as their growth and adjustments could significantly impact the Texans’ and Bears’ offensive effectiveness throughout the next NFL season.