The Texans' struggles go far beyond C.J. Stroud

It's hard to believe that it was just two years ago when C.J. Stroud was considered the next big thing in the NFL. 

Selected second overall in the 2023 draft by a Houston Texans team in complete disarray, Stroud put together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The performance earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and he led the Texans to an AFC South title and a Wild-Card Round victory over the Cleveland Browns. Though the Texans were bounced in the Divisional Round by the Baltimore Ravens, they looked to be a team on the rise and possible Super Bowl contenders as soon as the following year. 

While the 2024 Texans would finish with an identical 10-7 record and once again make it to the Divisional Round, Stroud's play took a noticeable step back. His yards-per-game dropped from 273.9 to 219.2 while his interception total rose from five to 12. 

Despite firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik after that season, this season has been more of the same. Stroud has alternated strong performances with maddening inefficiency en route to a disappointing 2-4 record. 

In today's NFL, a quarterback is the face of his team's performance for better or for worse, receiving all the credit for wins and much of the blame for losses. Yet while Stroud may be the focal point of a team that has failed to reach its potential, the Texans' problems go far beyond the play of their 24-year-old signal caller. 

The Texans have failed to build around C.J. Stroud

Any conversation about the Texans' offensive struggles needs to start with the offensive line. The unit was a major issue last season, allowing the third-most sacks in the NFL, but instead of a committed offseason focus on upgrading up front, they traded five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. His replacement, second-round pick Aireontae Ersery, has shown flashes but has gone through predictable rookie struggles, some of which were on full display on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.