Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud Reflects on Rough NFL Preseason Debut

Stroud struggled in his NFL preseason debut against the Patriots

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud made his professional debut on Thursday night against the Patriots as the team kicked off preseason action.

Stroud’s performance against a solid Patriots defense left much to be desired. In two series, Stroud finished 2-for-4 passing for 13 yards and an interception. 

Despite the interception, Stroud remained positive after his first outing. He thought his debut was “solid” and called the errant pass that was intercepted by Patriots DB Jalen Mills a “learning opportunity.”

“Just trust my eyes,” Stroud said of his interception. “I seen 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. I just lost track of that and just forced it. I should have just checked it down to Dalton [Schultz]. I got to make a play smarter and not put my defense in a bad situation, put them right in field goal range, and that’s my mistake. 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.”

New Texans coach DeMeco Ryans wasn’t overly concerned about Stroud’s errant throw either. 

“We all have things to clean up and get better at, but I thought it was a good first outing,” he said. “Good look at live action. I thought it was good for him. With the interception, I think Mills made a really nice play, veteran player. Made a nice play. We probably were a little late there with the ball, and it was a learning lesson, and that’s why we do preseason. 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, that’s our No. 1 thing.”

In Stroud’s defense, he faced one of the top defensive fronts in the NFL, and Houston played without three of its starting offensive linemen on Thursday night. Regardless, Stroud needs to play better, which is not something he is shying away from as he takes the keys as the franchise’s starting quarterback.