After a stellar rookie season, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud entered the 2024 NFL season with high expectations. He was widely considered one of the league’s rising stars and was even voted as a top-three quarterback to start a franchise by coaches and executives. However, as the season progressed, Stroud’s performance began to falter, leading to a drop in his rankings.
One of the standout statistics that highlighted Stroud’s struggles this season was his decrease in passing yards per game from 273.9 to 232.0, dropping him to 17th in the league. Additionally, his interception rate doubled from 1 percent to 2 percent, ranking him 16th in the NFL. These numbers painted a picture of a quarterback who was not living up to the expectations set in his rookie year.
One of the main factors contributing to Stroud’s decline was the lack of protection from his offensive line. He had already taken more sacks this season than in his rookie year, with nearly 9 percent of his dropbacks resulting in a sack. The constant pressure and hits have affected Stroud’s performance, leading to a drop in accuracy and overall effectiveness on the field.
Despite these challenges, Stroud still managed to lead the Texans to the AFC South division title with three games to play. The team’s success, coupled with injuries to key offensive players like Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, highlighted the resilience of Stroud and his ability to overcome adversity.
As the Texans gear up for the playoffs, Stroud’s performance will be crucial in determining their success. While he may not have replicated his rookie year success, there is still belief among coaches and executives that he has the potential to become one of the league’s best quarterbacks with time and adjustments.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Stroud’s journey is a reminder of the challenges young quarterbacks face in the NFL. From handling pressure in the pocket to overcoming injuries and defensive adjustments, the road to success is never easy. However, with the talent and determination that Stroud possesses, there is no doubt that he has the potential to bounce back and prove his critics wrong.
As the Texans look ahead to the playoffs, all eyes will be on Stroud to see how he responds to the challenges that lie ahead. With the support of his team and coaching staff, there is optimism that Stroud can rise to the occasion and lead the Texans to even greater success in the future.
