Is DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud Duo 'Surprise or Irrelevant?'

Despite the upside of both Ryans and Stroud, a new Sports Illustrated list ranks the Houston tandem low.

Historically speaking, it’s nearly impossible to win a Super Bowl without having elite talent at quarterback and head coach.

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was named the starter after a strong preseason in which he showed improvement each week. His performance was highlighted by his final play of the preseason when Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for his first career touchdown.

The No. 2 overall pick out of Ohio State ran exclusively with the starting offense during the preseason and beat out incumbent starter Davis Mills. In two seasons at Ohio State, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns in both of which rank second in Ohio State program history. Houston believes Stroud's poise and talent will carry over in the NFL. 

First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans understands what it takes to excel in a rookie season, as he won Defensive Rookie of the Year with Houston in 2005. 

Ryans was also named the 2022 Pro Football Writers of America Assistant Coach of the Year. In his sixth season with the San Francisco 49ers and second as the team's defensive coordinator, Ryans helped lead the team to the NFC Championship.

Despite the upside of both Ryans and Stroud, a new Sports Illustrated list ranks the Houston tandem low at No. 23 collectively; a combination of Ryans' No. 31 ranking and Stroud at No. 29.

"Some Texans fans may feel this is unfair, but how do you judge a first-time coach and a rookie quarterback?" SI.com writes. "Houston could surprise or be irrelevant by Halloween as Stroud and Ryans attempt to carve out a bright future. Ryans will have to do the work early, though, as Stroud is without any legitimate weapons on the outside."

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Stroud has a shot to make history for the Houston franchise in a couple of ways. No Texans player has ever won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Also, in his first career NFL start, Stroud and the Texans are massive 10-point underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans have never won in Baltimore, a streak the team would like to end. 

A Week 1 upset victory over the likes of quarterback Lamar Jackson and coach John Harbaugh would go a long way in building confidence in Stroud and Ryans.

Unsurprisingly, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid topped the poll as the league's best duo, as the only combo to have won two Super Bowls together.