C.J. Stroud calls out Texans after loss to Rams

The Houston Texans looked completely flat against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and quarterback C.J. Stroud did not seem all that surprised by the result.

The Texans managed just 302 yards of total offense in their 14-9 loss to the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Stroud completed 19-of-27 passes for 188 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. He was sacked three times.

Houston's running game was not much better, though Nick Chubb was decently effective with 60 yards on 13 carries.

Following the loss, Stroud said effort was an issue for the Texans.

"We didn’t deserve to win that game because we didn’t do the right things,” Stroud said, via Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. “When you come out in the NFL lollygagging and going through the motions, that kind of happens. I think we’ll be all right, but I think it’s a good wakeup call for us.”

The problems started in practice leading up to Sunday, according to Stroud. The third-year quarterback said the result against L.A. should serve as a wake-up call after "the way we practiced this week."

"I think we could have practiced better," Stroud added. "I love the confidence we have, but there’s a type of mindset of, ‘Did I do enough?’ I think it’s healthy, because you’ll probably do more. Just for me, preparing, I’ve got to do a better job, and I’ve also got to hold all of my guys accountable."

Stroud credited the Rams for making plays, but it is clear he felt most of Houston's wounds were self-inflicted.

Stroud was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He then had a bit of a sophomore slump last season and threw for just 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Texans' had major offensive line issues, and the unit did not look vastly improved against the Rams.

The Texans are without starting running back Joe Mixon, who is sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. Christian Kirk, their No. 2 wide receiver, also sat out on Sunday with a hamstring injury. They will need to be even sharper without those skill players, and they were anything but on Sunday.