The Houston Texans and rising star quarterback CJ Stroud appeared to be picking up exactly where they left off last year. The Texans would jump out to a 5-1 start on the year, firmly taking hold of the AFC South. But now, after losing two of their last three games the Texans find themselves searching for answers. This team that once looked dominant and unbeatable is suddenly looking very flawed and vulnerable.
Last Night, the Houston Texans fell to the struggling New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. CJ Stroud would go into this game missing his top two targets, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs both out due to injury. Tank Dell would do his best to take over the production, but it wouldn’t be enough. Dell would account for six receptions and 126 receiving yards. Stroud on the night would only complete 11-30 pass attempts, for 191 passing yards and no touchdowns. The noticeable fact was the offensive line struggles. Stroud would find himself running for his life all night, and being sacked eight times by the ruthless Jets defense.
Aaron Rodgers Dismantles CJ Stroud and Texans
Stroud and the Texans didn’t look like themselves most of the game against the Jets. The running game led by veteran Joe Mixon was firing on all cylinders but the signature passing game Texans fans have come to know since drafting CJ Stroud out of Ohio State last year, was simply just missing.
On the other hand, this was a very promising performance from an otherwise struggling New York Jets team. Future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers had himself a vintage Rodgers game that should give Jets fans a lot to hope for moving forward. Rodgers would finish the game 22/32 on passing attempts, for 211 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Two of those touchdown passes went to Garrett Wilson, who exploded with 90 yards to go along with the two scores. But it was newly acquired Davante Adams that would put the nail in the coffin for the Texans. Adams would have a catch and run of 37 yards ending in the endzone with 3:02 left in the fourth quarter, sealing the win for the Jets.
Where do the Houston Texans go From Here
The Houston Texans have struggled as of late, but a lot of their issues can be tied to injury. Nico Collins has quietly been one of the best receivers in the league over the last couple seasons. Collins would go down with a severe hamstring injury landing him on injured reserve earlier this season. Already shorthanded, veteran Stefon Diggs would suffer a torn ACL this past week against the Indianapolis Colts. Leaving Tank Dell as the Texans number one receiver, followed by Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and John Metchie III. The Texans could try to get second year QB CJ Stroud some help through a trade, but don’t expect it with Nico Collins supposed to be returning from injury at some point this season.
Until, Collins is able to return Stroud will have to rely on Dell and veteran tight end Dalton Schultz for the bulk of the targets. Leaning on the run game with Joe Mixon could help take some of the pressure off of Stroud. The Houston Texans can’t afford to keep allowing Stroud to take so many hits in a game and expect him to make it to the end of the year in one piece.
