Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism after how the postseason ended last year. They have started this season 0-4, but it is clear watching these games that Stroud is not to blame although he is more focused on winning rather than his individual performance.
"I mean, it's all about winning,” Stroud said. “So, looking at myself in the mirror, what else can I do to be better, to make us better on third down, keep us on the field, to control the game maybe a little more. I think our offense line is protecting well in the pass game. I thought [Nick] Caley called a good game last game, just letting us be aggressive. I feel in rhythm; I feel like I'm putting the ball where I need to put it. I just want
to be better on third down and in the red zone. Those critical situations that you look back like, 'Damn, if we would have got this first down or if I would have done this, we could have stayed on the field.' All these things you can correct."
In both games with Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins on the field, Houston has totaled at least 30 points. However, in both games without him, the offense looked completely flat. The run game is flat anyway, as running back David Montgomery is clearly not playing how the Texans thought he would.
CJ Stroud when asked where his growing maturity has shown up most for him:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 7, 2026
“How I’ve been able to handle things outside of football. Family life, noise. Not only as a football player I’ve grown, as a man, man of God. Been able to hone in on what I believe and focus on the things… pic.twitter.com/a2ldjU5mzZ
Another problem for the Texans has been playing complementary football. The offense and defense cannot seem to perform well in the same game. While Houston’s defense played well, for the most part, in Weeks 2 and 3, those were the games without Collins and the offense could not put up a lot of points. When Collins was playing in Weeks 1 and 4, the defense could not stop the opponent’s offense.
With the way things currently stand, it seems the Texans have already effectively eliminated themselves from the playoffs. However, if they want to keep any slim chance alive, they need to win against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, who are also 0-4 to start the year.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans QB CJ Stroud focused on winning, not individual performance
