Texans' Rookie QB C.J. Stroud Faces Patriots Pass Rush In NFL Preseason Debut

Photo: Instagram/C.J. Stroud

Texans' rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud faced a formidable Patriots pass rush in his NFL preseason debut, receiving a taste of the league's intensity under the guidance of Bill Belichick.

Stroud's introduction to the NFL occurred during the Houston Texans' victory over the New England Patriots, where he took the field for two series. His performance included completing 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards, encountering an interception and a sack, while also contributing two scrambles for 6 yards.

Reflecting on his experience, Stroud shared that his first NFL game was a special moment despite a minor error on one particular play. The young QB expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to play and emphasized that preseason is a valuable time for such experiences.

Photo: Instagram/C.J. Stroud

Despite Stroud's efforts, he found himself under considerable pressure due to the Patriots' relentless pass rush, which exploited the Texans' backup offensive line. This led to Stroud being pressured on three dropbacks, prompting him to adjust on the move.

Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the significance of live reps for Stroud and commended his ability to adapt in certain situations. Ryans acknowledged the need for improvement in protecting the quarterback but considered Stroud's outing a positive learning experience.

On the other hand, third-year pro Davis Mills displayed a more composed performance, effectively avoiding pressure and moving the ball efficiently. As the preseason progresses, Ryans faces the decision of whether to allow Stroud to learn through game-time experience or opt for the more seasoned Mills as the starter for the regular season opener.

Despite Stroud's rookie status being evident during his debut, he demonstrated potential for growth and learning from mistakes. His interception showcased a moment where he needed to improve his decision-making, but the experience will contribute to his development.

Stroud's exposure to a robust Patriots defense, coupled with the challenges posed by the backup offensive line, highlighted areas of improvement and the necessity for refined processing skills.
While Stroud's debut was far from flawless, he acknowledged that his performance was a stepping stone, emphasizing the importance of learning from errors and continuous growth.

As Stroud navigates his rookie journey, the focus shifts towards how he rebounds and matures in the face of adversity.

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Source: NFL

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