It was as good a preseason debut as C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans could have wanted.
It does not count in the grand scheme of things, but it was the Texans’ first glimpse of their QB after an offseason of personal changes. Likewise, this was Stroud’s first time getting to see how the Texans’ personnel changes in game action.
The results were telling, and the fourth-year quarterback’s comments postgame paint a fairly clear picture after head coach DeMeco Ryans changed the apparent game plan.
C.J. Stroud Delivers Clear Message About Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud liked what he and the Texans’ offense were able to do against the Raiders.
Stroud completed four of his six passes for 27 yards in the Texans’ 22-20 loss to the Raiders, orchestrating a scoring drive right out of the gates.
“I liked our pace in and out the huddle, I liked the calls Cales [offensive coordinator Nick Caley] made, I liked the guys I was out there with. Was smooth,” Stroud told reporters on August 20. “So, I had a good time. It’s always fun playing. So, it was really fun to play.”
The operation was indeed smooth, and Stroud was locked in before the game.
He drew attention with the eye saccade exercises, which are typically used in concussion screening but also in rehab from concussions. Stroud has suffered two concussions in three years.
Stroud logged 10 snaps before Ryans pulled him. Stroud was expected to see anywhere from 20 to 25 snaps, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson on August 20.
Stroud’s postgame comments back up the tape, and it underscores how impactful the Texans’ deviation from their depth chart, albeit an unofficial one, shifting rookie first-round pick Keylan Rutledge from center where he has been in camp, back to his natural guard spot.
Evan Brown took over at center.
“I love how tough they are, how demanding. Their ability to communicate. And yeah, I think, just their–of course, their blocking ability. I think they’re both doing great,” Stroud said of the duo of Rutledge and Brown. “I think Jake [Andrews] is doing amazing, too. So, I think we made strides in the interior part of our O-line.”
C.J. Stroud, First Team Offense’s Performance Backs Texans’ Decision
GettyC.J. Stroud has shown the Texans something this offseason.
The bottom line was that Stroud was pleased with his starting O-line, saying, “They did amazing. I’m proud of those guys.” If Thursday was a test run, the Texans may have gotten all of the proof they needed.
Stroud said that he was unsure if he would play against the Carolina Panthers in the Texans’ preseason finale.
At any rate, he showed Ryans and the Texans what they wanted to see.
“What I really liked tonight was we improved as a team,” Ryans said postgame. “Starting off with our offense, the way they came out, opened the game. Starting drive, driving the ball down the field like we did. Thought the O-line blocked it really well. Woody, of course, had some nice runs. But credit to C.J., too. He made some really good decisions. Didn’t throw it around a ton. But when he did throw it, good decisions with the football. He moved us up and down the field.
“I wanted to see him come out, get some live reps with the first offensive line. Just see him get in rhythm, have some efficient plays, and he did exactly what we expected him to do. And that’s the reason you just go get those live reps for him, so it’s not the first time that they’re rolling out versus Buffalo.”
The Texans began leaning on the starting line they used against the Raiders during the preceding week of practice. It would come as no surprise to see them stick with the group after such an encouraging display, even if it was against the Raiders’ backups.
Judging from Ryans’ comments, it could be that neither Stroud nor his starting O-line plays in the preseason finale.
C.J. Stroud Does Not Mince Words After Texans Make Decision