‘I Got in a Rhythm!’ C.J. Stroud in Loss to Dolphins: Texans Blog

The Houston Texans play their lone preseason game at NRG Stadium Saturday against the Miami Dolphins. … and C.J. Stroud finds a “rhythm” in the loss.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans took on the Miami Dolphins for their second preseason game before the 2023 season. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud would make his second consecutive start while making his home debut at NRG Stadium. 

Houston lost, 28-3, but all involved had good things to say about Stroud … including C.J. himself.

"Overall, I got in a rhythm,” said Stroud, who completed seven passes on 12 attempts for 60 yards as the No. 2 overall pick from Ohio State played the entire first half.

Said coach DeMeco Ryans, while falling short of naming the rookie as his 2023 starter: “It was encouraging. It was fun to watch him having him fun. If he continues to grow, we'll be just fine.' 

How did it all unfold? …

Stroud finished the Texans' preseason opener against the New England Patriots by throwing for 13 yards while connecting on two out of four attempts and an interception.

"I think he is a very natural thrower that has a unique gift at ball placement," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "He's probably not bragging about ball placement right now because as a rookie NFL quarterback, you're in a foreign language," McDaniel continued. "He looks the part to me with the way he throws the ball, and you can tell that he has an aura of confidence that's exciting to see from a player." 

Saturday's preseason contest will also mark the home debut of coach DeMeco Ryans. He was selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. 

Ryans quickly became a household name in Houston, winning Rookie of the Year honors after leading the league with 126 solo tackles, 156 total, an interception and six pass break-ups.

"Show up, show out, be loud for us, even though it's a preseason game," Ryans said. "When we see the stands packed and people are very encouraging us, cheering for us, it means a lot to our players."

1st quarter:

The Dolphins received the ball first. On the first play of the drive, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception to linebacker Denzel Perryman. 

Change of possession:

The Texans failed to capitalize on Perryman's interception, turnover on down.

Change of possession:

The second drive of the game was better for the Dolphins. They picked apart Houston's zone defense, which led to Miami recording 92 yards in 14 plays. Running back Raheem Mostert ended the series with a two-yard touchdown.

Dolphins 7, Texans 0

Change of possession: 

Stroud put together the best drive of his young career. He helped the Texans record 61 yards in 12 plays while finding wide receivers Noah Brown, Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. The drive ended with Ka'imi Fairbairn nailing a field goal. 

Dolphins 7, Texans 3

Change of possession:

End of 1st

2nd Quarter:

Three-and-out for the Dolphins. Punt.

Change of possession:

Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt.

Change of possession:

The Texans had the Dolphins facing third and long on two occasions but failed to record a stop. The first 3rd-and-long ended with De'Von Achane picking up 20 yards on the ground. With the ball on their own 44, the Dolphins faced 3rd-and-12 before quarterback Skylar Thompson connected with tight end Julian Hill for 12 yards. The possession ended with Thompson finding running back Salvon Ahmed for a 15-yard touchdown.

Dolphins 14, Texans 3

Change of possession:

Texans go three-and-out. Punt. 

Change of possession:

On 2nd-and-10, Ahmed broke free for a 65-yard run to set the Dolphins deep within the Texans' territory. With the ball on Houston's 18, Thompson connected with wide receiver Braxton Berrios for Miami's third touchdown of the day.

Dolphins 21, Texans 3

Halftime

3rd Quarter:

Davis Mills took over for Stroud, who finished the game throwing for 60 yards while connecting on seven out of his 12 pass attempts. The Texans recorded 15 yards in five plays. Punt.

Change of possession:

After giving up two consecutive touchdowns, the Texans' defense finally put together a solid defensive drive. In five plays, the Texans gave up six yards. Adedayo Odeleye recorded a sack for a loss of 11 yards on quarterback Mike White. Punt.

Change of possession:

Outside of an illegal contact penalty, the Texans had another 3-and-out drive. Punt.

Change of possession:

The Dolphins recorded their fourth touchdown after recording 87 yards in 10 plays. Miami ended its latest series with an 18-yard touchdown pass to running back Chris Brooks. 

Dolphins 28, Texans 3

End of 3rd

4th quarter:

With E.J. Perry now taking snaps, the Texans recorded 24 yards in four plays. Punt.

Change of possession:

Other than an 11-yard rush from Ahmed, the Dolphins did not have much success. Punt

Change of possession:

Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt

Change of possession:

The Dolphins recorded 12 yards in six plays on their latest drive. Punt.

Change of possession:

Houston recorded 45 yards in 12 plays during their final drive of the game. Turnover on down. 

End of Game

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