C.J. Stroud tries to find positives in every outcome.
Following a Houston Texans’ 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, the second-year quarterback has concluded that this is as low as one can get.
“There is nothing in life you can going to back on and redo, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom, the only way is up,” Stroud said following perhaps the worst performance of his NFL career. “So we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity to go in the playoffs.”
Stroud’s lackluster outing is hopefully a one-hit blunder rather than a common occurrence beyond 2024. In a year filled with constant letdowns and unstable offensive line play, Wednesday’s loss doesn’t fall on the protection or play-calling.
Stroud completed 17 of 31 passes for 185 yards and an interception. He was sacked five times. Despite average numbers, the on-field play tells a different story.
Multiple times the quarterback missed open targets for decent gains. He overshot Dalton Schultz on third down that would have led to a gain of at least 30 yards, then missed Nico Collins on a would-be touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Houston had two explosive plays defused before the ball ever touched the ground. Both plays eventually led to punts over points.
“I wasn’t making throws. At the same time, I’ve got to find a way to stand in there stronger and make those throws,” Stroud said. “It was a miscommunication with me and some of the receivers, but ultimately it’s up to me to make the throw when guys are open.”
#Texans C.J. Stroud after the 31-2 loss to Ravens, “Probably one of my worst games of whole career, came out flat, didn’t have any energy, just didn’t lead the offense the way I should’ve. Always gotta look myself in the mirror & be honest w/ myself. Just not good enough today.” pic.twitter.com/BgWXeLEJQB
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) December 26, 2024
Not all can be faulted on Stroud. Two of his top receivers are out for the remainder of the season due to leg injuries.
The defense, a once-feared unit riddled by injuries and suspensions, gave up 423 yards and four touchdowns worthy of kickstarting MVP conversations for Lamar Jackson.
Fans don’t care. They won’t listen to excuses as other teams find ways to respond rather than regress. It’s something the Texans must find a solution to before they travel to Nashville for a season finale date with the Tennessee Titans.
“Got to finish this year the right way against Tennessee, and hopefully by that time we’re in a groove and rolling when the playoffs come,” Stroud said.