The Early Struggles of C.J. Stroud and the Texans
The Houston Texans find themselves in a precarious position early in the season. With a record of 0-2, the struggles of their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud, are raising alarms.
In an offseason marked by questionable decisions, the Texans aimed to build around Stroud. Unfortunately, their execution has left much to be desired.
Staff Changes and New Players
One major flaw in the Texans’ plan was their handling of the offensive line. Last year, it was arguably the worst in the league, and instead of substantial improvements, the team traded away their best lineman, Laremy Tunsil.
Changes to the line included bringing in players with poor performances at previous teams, which is far from a strong strategy.
Receiver Departures Hurt Offense
On the skill positions, the Texans also saw key departures. Tank Dell’s injury means Houston lost a promising receiver for most of the season.
Adding to the woes, they lost Stefon Diggs in free agency, leaving a rookie-heavy receiving corps that lacks experience.
Struggles in the Passing Game
The struggles of the Texans’ offense are evident. They have scored just two touchdowns across 18 possessions and are far from a threat to defenses.
While criticism often falls on the quarterback when a team falters, in Stroud’s case, the blame does not lie with him. His supporting cast is not performing.
Offensive Line Issues Persist
According to Pro Football Focus, the Texans’ offensive line remains one of the worst in the NFL.
Stroud lacks meaningful support from the running game, and other than one receiver, no one has amassed significant yardage this season.
Assessing C.J. Stroud’s Situation
Stroud’s performance this season is not as stellar as his rookie year, but considering the conditions he’s facing, the criticisms seem unfounded.
The Texans’ inability to provide adequate protection or offensive weapons means Stroud is at a significant disadvantage.
Panic Meter Ratings
At this stage, the panic surrounding the Texans is soaring. Their problems are not just temporary setbacks but signals of deeper organizational issues.
The lack of a sound strategy for supporting their young quarterback raises concern for the team’s future. What will they do next?
Defensive Performance Concerns
While the offense has issues, the Texans’ defense is not entirely blameless either. The team needs overall improvement, both on offense and defense, to compete.
Other NFL Teams in Trouble
Across the league, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins also face challenges. The Cowboys’ defense has faltered while the Dolphins struggle with consistency.
If such teams can’t find solutions soon, their playoff ambitions might slip away.
A Broader Perspective on Organizational Support
The situation with C.J. Stroud is not unique. Many young quarterbacks only succeed when their organizations fully commit to supporting them.
The Texans’ current strategy raises concerns about their commitment to Stroud’s future. If they fail to invest wisely, it might seriously impact the franchise’s trajectory.
Conclusion: A Cause for Hope or Despair?
While early season struggles can be indicative of long-term issues, they also present opportunities for change.
The Texans must reassess their approach, particularly in protecting Stroud and building a more robust roster around him.
The real question is whether they will learn from past mistakes or continue down a path of mediocrity.