CJ Stroud was the first of the elite rookies to see action this preseason. Although the Texans beat the Patriots, the quarterback’s debut was rocky.
Stroud, the former Ohio State star who was the No. 2 pick of this year’s NFL Draft, played the first two series of Houston’s road game and preseason opener. He completed two of his four passes for 13 yards. The Patriots defense sacked him. And there was an interception by Patriots safety Jalen Mills.
New Houston coach DeMeco Ryans pulled Stroud, allowing for Davis Mills and Case Keenum to finish the game. There very well still could be a quarterback quandary with the Texans. In fact, the most talked about quarterback in the game was Malik Cunningham, the Patriots undrafted free agent who broke Lamar Jackson’s records at Louisville.
After the game, CJ Stroud said he’d learn from the game. Basically, that’s what these exhibitions games are for, especially for rookies.
His first lesson? “Just trust my eyes,” Stroud told reporters in post-game. “I (saw) a certain look to where I knew in film, that they could run that to where the safety, if his man blocks, he’ll come off and really be locked into my eyes. I just lost track of that and just forced it. Should have just checked it down to Dalton (Schultz).”
Yep, learn to check down to a tight end. They can be a quarterback’s best friend.
Ryans said the Mills’ pick was a lesson you can’t teach a rookie in practice. He needs those live reps to feel the defensive pressure and instantly scan secondary.
“With the interception, I think Mills made a really nice play, veteran player,” Ryans told reporters. “Made a nice play. We probably were a little late there with the ball, and it was a learning lesson. And that’s why we do preseason. That’s why it’s important to get live game reps, so you can see how can you come out and improve, where can you improve. What do I need to do different next time on those certain plays? And of course offensively, we want to be in position to take care of the ball better. That’s our No. 1 thing.”
It didn’t help that Houston started a refigured offensive line. Three expected starters didn’t see action, including left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right guard Shaq Mason. And the Patriots decided to blitz Stroud, a defensive strategy a lot of teams use against a rookie quarterback. New England sent pressure on 60 percent of the snaps Stroud played.
Mills came in with the same circumstances. But he didn’t appear fazed, completing nine of his 12 passes for 99 yards. He also threw a touchdown to Tank Dell. But the play was all effort from Dell, who tipped the ball, then caught it while he was on his rear.
Meanwhile, NFL fans can see the other top rookies later this weekend. Bryce Young, the top pick of the draft, will play Saturday when the Panthers host the Jets. And Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the draft, leads the Colts in their road game Saturday against the Bills.
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