C.J. Stroud slammed with big concern ahead of make-or-break season

The Houston Texans may have the strongest and deepest defense in the National Football League.

They also have more than enough talent on offense, though the offensive line remains a work in progress.

That's why former NFL player and executive Louis Riddick believes C.J. Stroud has run out of excuses and should have no margin for error in his contract year.

In an article for ESPN, Riddick pointed to Stroud's postseason woes as the main reason for concern for DeMeco Ryans' team.

C.J. Stroud might be the Texans' weakest link

“Though I am still concerned (as I was a year ago) about the future effectiveness of this revamped offensive line, it’s quarterback C.J. Stroud who has to answer some questions,” Riddick wrote. “His playoff performance in 2025 was unacceptable from a decision-making, ball security and accuracy standpoint. Until he makes people forget what he put on tape to end the 2025 season, the concern will exist.”

The Texans went 3-0 with backup Davis Mills at quarterback last season, and their offense actually looked better at times.

The team doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry to give Stroud the market-resetting contract extension a former No. 2 pick should get.

He's regressed tremendously every year from his impressive rookie campaign, and with so many weapons for the passing game, the numbers shouldn't be as pedestrian as they've been.

With Mills keeping him on his toes on one of the best backups in the game and his contract extension looming large, the former Ohio State star will be under more pressure than ever in 2026.