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Texans’ C.J. Stroud Put on Alert After Unfavorable Ranking

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Connor Greene | Last updated May 21, 2025 11:29 AM ET

One of the NFL’s brightest young stars is now facing some serious doubts.

Fox Sports NFL reporter Ben Arthur recently released a list of the 10 NFL players with the most to prove in the upcoming season, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud made the cut, coming in at No. 9.

Arthur cited Stroud’s statistical decline from his standout rookie campaign to his sophomore season as one of the key reasons for concern.

After throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 2023, Stroud's numbers dropped in 2024 to 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, despite playing two more games.

Turnovers were also an issue, with Stroud having 16 total giveaways in 2024, almost doubling the nine he had the year prior.

Much of that regression came from some untimely setbacks. The Texans’ offensive line struggled, which led to a steep rise in sacks, and the receiving corps battled injuries, including a long-term absence from wide receiver Tank Dell.

Still, those issues won’t be enough to silence the critics in 2025.

If Stroud hopes to not bear the one-year wonder label, he’ll need to find the same poise and high-level playmaking that defined his rookie campaign.

In 2023, he displayed a level of composure and decision-making that is uncommon for a first-year quarterback, which Houston is counting on to return this season.

The Texans have reloaded around him, adding rookie Iowa State wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to a receiving group that already features Dell and star receiver Nico Collins. On paper, this offense could become one of the league’s most dangerous — if, Stroud can deliver.

If Houston wants to take the next step and enter the contender conversation, their franchise quarterback must prove last season was merely a slump, and not the start of a downward trend.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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