There’s a mantra in the world of commission selling that states “You’re only as good as your last sale.”
Well, the same thing applies in many ways in pro sports. At least as far as a segment of every fan base is concerned. That modified mantra is “You’re only as good as your last game.”
Houston Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud’s last game was… not good.
And, despite the fact that Stroud has a higher win rate than any other quarterback who has started 10 or more games for Texans, many are blasting him
for the last one. Many saying he needs to be shown the door.
The 2025 Houston Texans, in a nutshell, were a savagely good defense, a solid special teams and a questionable – at best – offense.
Rookie offensive coordinator Nick Caley came under fire, rightfully so, early and often for poor play calling, piss-poor red zone effectiveness and all around not-ready-for-prime time game management.
That’s not Stroud’s fault.
In the off-season, rumors have emerged time and again of plays not making it to the huddle from the sidelines until the play clock was nearly expired, over and over.
That’s not Stroud’s fault.
Stroud’s #1 receiver, Nico Collins, was out against the Patriots.
Stroud’s #1 running back was AWOL all year.
Starting right tackle Trent Brown, also out that fateful day.
Houston’s offensive line, also out – or at least they played like it.
Xavier Hutchinson couldn’t catch a cold, much less a pass, leading to at least 1 key turnover.
None of those are Stroud’s fault either.
With late arriving plays, poor scheming, key injuries, a non-existent blocking performance, on the road in the playoffs, it’s hard to make a logical argument for how any quarterback could make chicken salad out of chicken [bleep].
Now, Stroud still has to own his mistakes, and there were several. But, if you pay attention, most of them were from trying too hard. Attempting to will the team to victory when it just wasn’t in the cards.
While nothing good seemed to come from that loss, it’s clearly shown what Stroud is really made of…
Last offseason, Stroud was all over the media, laughing, joking, having a good time. Living his best life as if he had arrived.
This offseason, we see none of that. What we see/read/hear is Stroud locked in on getting better, improving his mechanics, building chemistry with his teammates, giving his all to “be the best Houston Texan” he can be in 2026.
So, if Stroud is improving, working hard to overcome, learning from his mistakes so he doesn’t repeat them, what about the rest?
Houston’s insane 2025 defense actually got even better in the offseason. Additions of veteran safety Reed Blankenship and rookie phenom DT Kayden McDonald will add bricks to this already impenetrable wall.
For the offense, all-pro RB1 David Montgomery, rookie guard/center Keylan Rutledge, vet o-linemen Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith all move the needle in Stroud’s favor.
It’s hard to know at this point how offensive coordinator Nick Caley is growing in his role, but hopefully Jerry Schuplinski’s elevation to QB coach helps bridge the gap between Caley and Stroud.
If there’s a chink in this armor, it’s the connection between Caley and his QB.
Ultimately, the loss to the Patriots last January falls on Caley, not Stroud. Yet the life of an NFL quarterback is always too much glory when the team wins, and too much blame when they lose. Hence Stroud’s current reality.
Stroud in Houston Texans OTAs
Stories out of NRG have Stroud looking sharper than he has previously, improving throwing mechanics and footwork.
Instead of media posts of Stroud goofing off with friends, we get clips of crisp passes, tight handoff mechanics, and insight into a locked-in young quarterback.
2026 will be Stroud’s best year yet. Take that to the bank.
Stay confident, stay committed – Gary Kubiak on the 2026 Texans
