Battle Red Blog
Tough losses necessitate tough questions. That’s exactly what I asked when I requested instant reactions and opinions on QB C.J. Stroud directly after Houston’s embarrassing loss to the Patriots in the Divisional Round.
What are your instant reactions to the Pats beat down of the Texans? What’s the outlook for Stroud and what needs to be addressed this offseason?
Note: the first four responses were all written before Houston announced they would be picking up C.J. Stroud’s fifth year option
After losing 41-28 in 2012 and 36-14 in 2016, the Texans continue the yearly tradition of falling to (insert opponent here) in the AFC Divisional round. This now makes it 0-3 all time between the Patriots and Texans in the playoffs (specifically, in this round). The defense performed valiantly for 19 weeks of NFL football, being the engine of a team that endured an 0-3 start, a new offensive coordinator, new offensive line, and new skill position players.
With that said, it truly is sad to arrive at the conclusion that the Texans are yet again a QB away from true Super Bowl contention. After an elite rookie seaon, Stroud has gotten every excuse in the book for why he’s yet to recapture his poise and proficiency from 2023. After seven turnovers combined against the Steelers and Patriots, Houston again finds itself with a very real quarterback problem.
I don’t know what the thinking is in the front office, but Stroud has lost virtually all equity in various corners of the fanbase.
I think you have to consider all options. The most likely option is punting an extension to next offseason but if a team offers a first round and a mid round pick they have to consider it. I personally don’t think he’s the dude for THIS team and this offense. Sure, they could fire Caley, but they are just going to run a ball control offense. He’s not THAT guy. I could see him succeeding in a more wide open offense, but that’s never going to happen in Houston.
Of course, then you get the question of which QB to start. There’s really not any in the draft after Mendoza and even he might not be worthy of number one overall. I readily admit that’s a problem in this scenario. They would either roll with Davis Mills or look for a journeyman veteran to get you through. This is why I think they ultimately kick the can down the road. I personally have seen enough of Stroud to conclude he’s not THE guy. Paying him $50+ million would set this franchise back years.
Really heartbreaking loss overall, as I believe this was the best Texans team to make the Divisional Round of the DeMeco Ryans/C.J. Stroud era, and maybe, just maybe the best Texans team ever. I know it’s hard to look at them like that after last night, but this...
