The NFL‘s annual quarterback rankings always stir debate, but this year’s list has sparked outright disbelief. Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky didn’t mince words when reacting to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud not being on the list from ESPN’s Top 10 QBs heading into the 2025 season.
His verdict? “Silly, dumb, idiotic.”
Dan Orlovsky Slams C.J. Stroud Snub From ESPN Top 10 QB List
Orlovsky’s frustration stems from what he sees as a blatant disregard for context.
“C.J. Stroud not being on the list, I think, silly, dumb, idiotic,” Orlovsky said. “The people that said after C.J. Stroud’s rookie year, best rookie season we’ve ever had… And in that year of 2023, he was like 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions, like 63% completion percentage. Numbers-wise, pretty darn good.”
He’s not wrong. Stroud’s rookie campaign was historic, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and putting him in rare company among first-year quarterbacks.
Stroud’s Resilient 2024 Season
While Stroud’s sophomore season didn’t match the fireworks of his debut, Orlovsky argues the dip was more about circumstance than performance.
“Last year with a bottom-five offensive line, he lost his number one, number two, and number three receiver for significant stretches. 63% completion percentage, 3,800 yards, and I think he had 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. Interceptions went up, so disaster all around him.”
Stroud’s offensive line was one of the worst in the league, and injuries decimated his receiving corps. Despite that, he still posted respectable numbers and kept Houston competitive in most games.
Coaching Woes and Lack of Support Did Not Stop Stroud’s Production
Orlovsky didn’t stope at personnel issues. He also pointed to coaching.
“By the way, the offensive coordinator never evolved. Disaster all around him and puts up somewhat similar numbers performance-wise.”
The Texans’ offense stagnated late in the season, and Stroud was often forced to improvise behind a collapsing pocket. Yet, he still managed to throw for over 3,700 yards and maintain a completion rate above 60%.
Orlovsky Brings Up Joe Burrow Comparisons From Stellar Rookie Year
“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? That for me is probably the biggest gripe.”
Orlovsky’s comparison to Burrow isn’t just flattery, it’s a reflection of how quickly narratives can shift in the NFL. One year, Stroud is hailed as the future. The next, he’s not even in the top 10.
Stroud Ranking Controversy Highlights Bigger Question About Evaluation
Orlovsky also questioned how other quarterbacks were ranked ahead of Stroud.
“The conversation of Jalen Hurts higher than a Justin Herbert, but C.J. Stroud not being in there is the biggest issue.”
It’s not just about Stroud, it’s about how the league evaluates quarterbacks. Are rankings based on raw stats, team success, or individual resilience? If it’s the latter, Stroud deserves more credit than he’s getting.
Heading into 2025, Stroud has a revamped offensive line, new weapons, and a fresh offensive coordinator. If he delivers, this year’s snub might look even more “silly, dumb, idiotic” in hindsight.
