Former Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud Vows For "Better Results" After Mixed Preseason Debut

C.J. Stroud said that while his performance was solid, it needs to be a learning lesson before the regular season begins.

Author:
Cole Thompson
Aug 11, 2023 3:50 PM EDT

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Houston Texans

Ohio State Buckeyes

Judging a player who rarely played seems like an oxymoron. Then again, most who comment on players in the NFL present those analogies all the time.

Fans across the Twitterverse came with their pitchforks and prickly fingers, typing away about former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud's debut with the Houston Texans. Some called him a bust. Others said his performance only proves that former Buckeyes quarterbacks are destined for mediocrity in the pros.

The Texans won 20-9 over the New England Patriots, but Stroud lost some supporters after going 2-for-4 for 13 yards and an interception in his two drives. Those "believers" come from outside.

Internally, the veterans of the Texans' roster saw a combination of highs and lows, making the former's comments irrelevant.

“C.J. was fine,” said first-year coach DeMeco Ryans postgame in Foxborough, Mass. “I think it’s good to have some ups and downs. That’s what this league is all about. It’s about how you respond to the things that happen to you, and I thought his response to it was fine.”

Stroud, the No. 2 pick who led the Buckeyes to a 22-4 record and College Football Playoff appearance during his two-year stint as the starter, would be the first to admit the struggles. Little went right after opening the game with an 8-yard completion to third-year receiver Nico Collins.

Facing a third-and-21 from Houston's 25-yard line, Stroud showed why rookie mistakes are best made early. He targeted fellow rookie Tank Dell on a comeback route for a hopeful first down, but his timing was off, leading to an interception by Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills.

"I saw a certain look to where I knew in film, that they could run that to where the safety, if his man blocks, he'll come off and really be locked into my eyes," Stroud said. "I lost track of that and just forced it. Should have just checked it down to Dalton [Schultz]. "

Little errors can be downfalls at the next level. Stroud, who threw 85 touchdowns against 12 interceptions en route to becoming a two-time Heisman finalist, learned that the hard way. He never took his eyes off Dell, thus allowing Mills to close the gap on the ball.

A double pump gave the defender a tad more time to jump the route. Most defensive backs in the Big Ten might fall for the bait, but it rarely occurs in the jump from Saturdays to Sundays.

"It was a learning lesson, and that's why we do preseason," said Ryans. "That's why it's important to get live game reps, so you can see how can you come out and improve, where can you improve, what do I need to do different next time on those certain plays, and of course offensively, we want to be in position to take care of the ball better."

Not all fault falls on Stroud's shoulders during his two drives. The Texans rested Pro Bowl-starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil and veteran guard Shaq Mason. Tytus Howard, who signed a three-year extension hours before training began, was out due to a broken hand that's expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

The starting five did little to give Stroud time to go through his progressions, thus leading to mental mistakes. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Stroud was pressured on 60 percent of his dropbacks. He was sacked once and scrambled twice for positive yards, a question mark to his game during his time in Columbus.

Stroud told reporters he wanted to go back in for a third series, but the decision was made before kickoff that he'd only trot out for two stints.

"It is just the preseason, and it’s a learning opportunity for myself, really this whole football team," said Stroud.

Stroud said he needed to trust his eyes. He's right. He also needs to trust that two series won't define the outcome of his career and that his game against the Miami Dolphins will come with more than just a few more series.

For now, he'll go back and look at the film. He'll try to work out the kinks when Miami arrives on Wednesday for two joint practices. And he'll do his best to avoid making the same mistakes twice.

"Even though I'm a rookie, still trying to play as a vet and play sound football and not only protect my offense but to protect the defense, as well," said Stroud.

Stroud vowed postgame that he would improve. Then again, how much can one judge after a small sample size of reps?

"First live action is tough," said veteran backup Case Keenum. "I’ve been in his shoes, too, where the first preseason game, you’ve been getting a lot of reps in camp. Then, you come out and get one or two drives, you feel like you’re maybe about to get your rhythm, you get a hit a few times, and you start getting going, and then you get taken out. It’s tough.”