Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud announced himself on the NFL stage last year with an unforgettable season, picking up the Offensive Rookie of the Year award along the way.
However, this season hasn’t been as rosy for the sophomore QB. Now, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver turned analyst James Jones is calling Stroud out on it.
C.J. Stroud Needs To Get Back to His Best Warns James Jones
In his 10 starts this season, the 23-year-old has registered 12 touchdowns with 2,371 under his belt at an average of 7.2 yards per attempt. This is short of his average of 8.2 yards per attempt last season.
Jones, during his appearance on FS1’s The Facility, called into question this drop of form from Stroud, particularly after losing 26-23 in the Detroit Lions’ come-from-behind victory last week.
Jonesin’ For More with @89JonesNTAF:
“C.J. Stroud, if you don’t ball out, we’re going to start to have some uncomfortable conversations.” pic.twitter.com/dOP6Kb2JIB
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1)
“C.J. Stroud. Listen, man, the man [Jared Goff] just threw five interceptions, and your team still found a way to lose,” he said. “You have lost three out of your last four games.”
“All right,” continued Jones. “This is what we call a sophomore slump…We need you to ball out. We need to see that C.J. Stroud from last year, because, if not, we’re gonna start to have to have some uncomfortable conversation.”
Stroud Takes All Blame for Loss vs. Lions
After a horrid second half in which the Texans failed to score a single point and the Lions scored 19 unanswered to win the game, Stroud showed maturity beyond his years.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Houston QB took the blame for the loss.
“Seems like it’s different every week. I feel like this game was on me,” Stroud said. “Definitely got to make plays, got to make throws. Can’t turn the ball over. So, yeah, blame is on me. I got to be better in those moments.”
Stroud and the Texans will have a chance to get back in the winning column against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The Cowboys have lost all four of their home games — Stroud and Co. will be looking forward to making it five.