C.J. Stroud came into this season as a top-five NFL quarterback on many people’s lists on the back of a historic rookie season. The Houston Texans went all in to win the Super Bowl this season, acquiring Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to further help their star quarterback.
Unfortunately, the Texans have dealt with multiple injuries this season and that has resulted in poor display from Stroud.
Former Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas recently talked about Stroud and discussed why the quarterback is experiencing a sophomore slump.
Joe Thomas Sheds Light on C. J. Stroud’s Struggles
During a segment on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Thomas highlighted the Texans’ poor offensive line which is a major reason for Stroud’s struggles.
The Ohio State product was sacked eight times in the Week 9, 21-13 loss to the New York Jets, taking his season tally to 30. This a concern for the Texans, as no quarterback can play well without getting time to throw the ball.
“That’s the problem. If your offensive line isn’t protecting you when they’re supposed to, now you get the quarterback looking at his feet, checking for where the bodies are coming from, wondering where he’s going to have to escape,” Thomas said.
“So, instead of having the confidence to go through his reads and progression, he’s worried about where the pass rush is. Then, you lose a guy like Nico Collins, and you’ve seen his numbers drop off. I think, in his mind, he was like, ‘Alright if my protection breaks down’ … That’s how he’s walking into the line of scrimmage every play, which is not a way to be as a quarterback.”
Not only does Stroud have no time to throw the football, but he is also without several of his weapons. Diggs is already out for the season due to an ACL injury, and Collins has also been limited to five games due to a hamstring injury.
In nine games this season, Stroud has thrown for 2,139 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions, completing 63.5% of his throws. In comparison, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a completion percentage of 63.9% in his rookie year.
Stroud’s numbers are still good, but everyone expected him to take a leap and solidify his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He still has a lot of time left this season, but Stroud will have to overcome his unreliable offensive line.
Nico Collins Is Unlikely To Play in Week 10
There were expectations that Collins would return in Week 10, but ultimately it does not look like he will. He did not practice on Thursday and remains a long shot to play against the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Night Football.”
Stroud is 3-2 without Collins in his career and has thrown for 1,110 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions with a passer rating of 83.6 in those games.
The Lions are arguably the best team in the NFL, and it would be tough for the Texans’ defense to stop them. The only way Houston can win this game is if Stroud plays his best game of the season and raises the level of everyone around him.
Since everyone will be tuned in to watch the Lions-Texans game on prime time, it presents a great opportunity for Stroud to redeem himself.