Regression incoming?
After the 2023 NFL Season, CJ Stroud reigned the generational talent that needs to be seen. Stroud’s rookie campaign was one for history books, finishing with 4,108 Yards, 23 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions and a Quarterback Rating of 100.8. The rookie performance helped CJ win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, in the NFL MVP voting and helped the Texans reach the playoffs after a 3 year drought. With a performance like that, the Texans and CJ Stroud caught the eyes of all the media. A mixed review of either, Stroud will continue his dominance in the league, or CJ will have an epic sophomore slump.
Many fans and media begin to speculate the side of a sophomore slump for CJ Stroud, due to all his extra activities during the off-season, from podcast appearances to a trip to Asia with Micah Parsons. The belief that Stroud is not taking it seriously and striving to be at his best was beginning to set in.
Tunes began to change after the Houston Texans made a trade for All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills, days after the trade Stroud arranged a workout with Diggs and several other Texans receivers in California to build chemistry. CJ Stroud also silenced the noise more, with his performance at OTA’s, having both fans and media excited for Training Camp to start.
As Training Camp started, CJ Stroud and the offense seemed to be on the same page as last season. The offense clicking on all cylinders had fans excited. That excitement would not last too long, as Stroud began to visibly upset with the offense not connecting like before. Add the interceptions Stroud has been throwing lately, many are concerned about Stroud and the offense’s performance.
This writer believes the worries are unwarranted and way too soon. Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik told media, that the defense was going to throw everything and different looks at CJ to throw off the offense. This helps Stroud understand defenses better and to adapt to certain situations. Also, add the fact, the offense is calling plays they wouldn’t usually call in an actual game. Everyone just needs to dial the fright of a sophomore slump back, practice is where you want your quarterback to throw interceptions. While CJ Stroud did not play in the Hall of Fame Game against the Bears, he will make an appearance tonight against the Steelers. Look for Stroud to lead the offense to no more than two offensive possessions and take the rest of the night off. Many starters will still be sitting out tonight, but it’s still exciting to see some of the first-string offense in a game!
Before you watch the Texans tonight, make sure to check out the latest episode of the Texans Fan Battle Podcast. They discuss the Hall of Fame Game and what they would like to see against the Steelers.
