Entering his third season, C.J. Stroud continues to be a central figure for the Houston Texans as the team prepares for a pivotal training camp. Stroud’s progress as the Texans’ quarterback is under close watch after his second year included a mix of team success and personal setbacks. While he helped lead the Texans to the playoffs, Stroud’s individual performance in 2024 saw a decline that caused him to slip out of the top 10 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL quarterbacks rankings.
The Texans have adjusted their approach during the offseason, focusing on providing Stroud with better support through improvements to the offensive line and the appointment of a new offensive coordinator, aimed at restoring his early-career momentum. These moves are part of a strategic effort to capitalize on the strong foundation Stroud established during his rookie season, which earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors.
Factors Behind Stroud’s Performance Dip in His Second Season
Stroud’s sophomore year statistics reflect several challenges, including a reduction in overall yardage by 381 yards and a decrease of three touchdowns compared to his rookie season. Additionally, his interception count rose by seven, while his completion percentage fell slightly by 0.7%. A significant factor was his increased vulnerability in the pocket, absorbing 14 more sacks than in 2023. This rise in pressure indicated a need for better offensive line protection, an area the Texans have sought to address through roster changes and coaching shifts.
Anonymous NFL experts highlighted how protection and playcalling directly affect a quarterback’s confidence and success. One quarterbacks coach noted,
“That can affect your confidence when the protection and the playcalling around you isn’t great. It can all tie together. But the framework of what made him great his rookie year is still there … Such a natural thrower of the football with elite ball placement.”
Despite the drop in production, many observers expect Stroud to regain his form and return to a top-10 quarterback ranking in the upcoming season as the Texans make these structural improvements.
Support and Criticism from Former Texans QB and Analysts
Not everyone agrees with the recent rankings, especially former Texans quarterback Dan Orlovsky, now an ESPN analyst. Orlovsky publicly criticized the decision to exclude Stroud from the top 10 list, citing the challenging circumstances around him in Houston. He described it as “silly, dumb, idiotic” that Stroud was omitted, emphasizing that despite adversity, Stroud’s performance remained comparable to peers who ranked higher.
Orlovsky referenced the early hype surrounding Stroud, noting,
“So, the guy that people were saying, ‘Hey, he’s the next Joe Burrow. Top-five player,’ all of a sudden is out of the top 10?”
This view highlights the discrepancy between expectations set during Stroud’s standout rookie year and the recent evaluations.
The Team’s Role in Stroud’s Development and Upcoming Challenges
Stroud’s performance has been impacted significantly by the Texans’ offensive support. A scout acknowledged Stroud’s raw skill, saying he
“set the standard for a rookie QB”
and praised his poise under pressure and ability to stand tall in the pocket even when faced with incoming defenders. Nonetheless, more consistency in arm talent and ball security is required to reduce turnovers and maximize his effectiveness.
Key pieces like wide receivers Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz have complemented Stroud’s playmaking abilities. However, injuries such as Dell’s possible extended absence due to a knee issue add uncertainty to the season. New additions to the receiving corps, including Christian Kirk and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, are tasked with filling those gaps alongside returning players.
The Texans have also changed their offensive leadership by replacing coordinator Bobby Slowik with Nick Caley, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams. Caley’s role will be crucial in optimizing play design to create favorable matchups and consistent opportunities for Stroud. An anonymous NFL official highlighted how the Texans successfully used play-action and clear passing concepts during Stroud’s rookie year, a strategy they are expected to revisit.
Preparing for a Crucial 2025 Season
With the Texans preparing for training camp, the focus is firmly on helping C.J. Stroud return to the trajectory he showed as a rookie. The team’s adjustments on offense, along with new coaching strategies, are designed to address last season’s shortcomings. Restoring Stroud’s confidence and performance is vital to the Texans’ hopes of improving their record and competitiveness in the NFL.
As the season approaches, the football community will watch how Stroud adapts to these changes and whether he can reestablish himself among the league’s elite quarterbacks. With continued development and team support, the Texans and Stroud are poised to make a significant impact in 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is C.J. Stroud’s best friend?
A. After Tank Dell, C.J. Stroud’s best friend and teammate, got badly hurt in Saturday’s match against the Chiefs, Stroud gave an emotional interview.
Q. How much does C.J. Stroud make?
A. Stroud agreed to a contract with the Houston Texans lasting four years and worth $36,279,243. He received a $23,384,904 signing bonus, with the entire contract amount guaranteed. His average salary each year is $9,069,811.
Q. Who is C.J. Stroud’s friend?
A. Follow CJ Stroud as he commends his close friend Bryce Young in the NFL.
Q. How much will C.J. Stroud make?
A. In the 2025 NFL season, C.J. Stroud will make $4.05 million from his deal with the Texans. His base salary is roughly $1.03 million, which is the minimum pay for someone with two years in the NFL.