Texans Super Bowl Dreams hinge on Stroud’s Return

Texans Super Bowl Dreams Hinge on Stroud’s Return

The Houston Texans are taking a big step towards securing their future by picking up C.J. Stroud’s fifth-year option. This move signals their strong desire to reach a long-term contract with their young quarterback. Stroud exploded onto the scene during his rookie year with a historic start. However, his performance has cooled off since then. He led the team to a 9-5 record in his starts last season, helping them reach the playoffs. Unfortunately, their season ended in the divisional round with a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Stroud’s playoff run was forgettable, as he averaged under 250 passing yards per game and turned the ball over seven times in two games.

Stroud’s Playoff Struggles Raise Concerns

After surviving the wildcard game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Texans fell to the Ravens in the divisional round. Stroud did not look like his usual self in that crucial game. “We have to ask, are you concerned with the way that C.J. Stroud finished the season?” asked analyst J.Mack. “When you watch those two playoff games, you have to have some concern going forward.”

Fifth-Year Option a Smart Move

Despite the playoff struggles, picking up the fifth-year option was a no-brainer for the Texans. It’s a smart contractual move that keeps Stroud in Houston as the starter for the upcoming season. If he plays under that option, it’s a much cheaper deal than the $60 million average salary for top quarterbacks in the league. Stroud’s rookie year was arguably one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. He burst onto the scene with incredible play that nobody expected. But the following year, the offensive line struggled significantly, and he was sacked over 50 times. This kind of pressure can make any quarterback hesitant and change how they play the game.

Offensive Line Woes and Decision Making

Last season, Stroud seemed to play much better, and the Texans went on a winning streak. He even sat out for a few games while Davis Mills won three straight. With a new offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, Stroud had a chance to reset. He seemed to learn he didn’t have to win every game by himself. However, poor decision-making and turnovers have been a recurring issue for him since his rookie year. Ben asked, “Have they done everything they can to support him?”

Supporting Stroud: The Run Game is Key

The Texans are a strong defensive team, which means they should aim to control the game by running the ball and managing the clock. The struggles in the run game are a major reason for Stroud’s mistakes. For the last three seasons, the Texans have been one of the worst rushing offenses in the league, only ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders. When a team can’t run the ball effectively, it allows opposing defenses to play with more freedom. They can sit back in softer coverage, making it harder for the quarterback to find open receivers. Stroud doesn’t get those easy defensive looks he had during his rookie season in 2023. In 2024, defenses started playing him differently, forcing the Texans to run the ball, which they haven’t been able to do consistently.

Stroud: The League’s Biggest X-Factor?

Kevin stated, “I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that he’s the biggest X-factor in the league.” He pointed to the Seattle Seahawks, who reached a Super Bowl with above-average quarterback play and an elite defense. Kevin believes the Texans’ defense is just as good, and Stroud has the potential to be much better than a quarterback like Sam Darnold. “If C.J. Stroud regains that form, we’re talking about a Super Bowl.” Stroud set a unique record in his two playoff games last year, becoming the first player in history to have five interceptions and five fumbles. This is like Babe Ruth hitting home runs in every game, but with turnovers. He was able to win those playoff games largely because of his defense.

Seahawks Model and Texans’ Defense

The Seahawks model is exactly what the Texans could aim for. Last year, Seattle had the best defense in the league based on points per drive. The Texans were second by the slimmest of margins. This indicates the Texans have a defense capable of reaching that elite caliber. If Stroud can take that next step, a Super Bowl is within reach.

Cowboys’ Draft Strategy and Defensive Needs

Moving to the Dallas Cowboys, the question is whether they can become contenders by nailing their draft picks. Analyst J.Mack suggested that Dallas needs to add more talent, specifically at linebacker and cornerback. “I look at linebacker, where they had departures. They’ve only got two guys right now with any sort of experience on the roster.” He also noted the thinness at cornerback, even with players like Kobe Bryant. “Go get [defensive end] Rueben Bain. I love Rueben Bain. Don’t worry about the arms. Then go get [cornerback] Kamari Scott. That would be a good fit. Continue loading up on those Hurricanes, and then the Cowboys will be over that hill.”

Jerry Jones and Draft Decisions

Jerry Jones’s involvement with the Cowboys’ two first-round picks raises questions about his strategy. Will he pick players like Bain or Scott, or go in a completely different direction? The Cowboys have had success finding talent in recent drafts, like defensive end Rashan Gary and safety Jaylen Thompson. If their number 12 pick hits, they don’t need every player to be a Pro Bowler immediately. Finding another starter or two on defense, even in the middle rounds, could significantly boost the team. This could allow them to move players like DaRon Bland around the secondary and improve their pass rush.

NFC East Dynamics and Giants’ Trade Request

The NFC East looks intriguing this year. The Commanders seem to be taking a step back, the Eagles haven’t looked as dominant, and the Giants remain a question mark. If the Cowboys make smart draft picks, they could be right in the mix. Meanwhile, a major development in New York: Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade. He was notably absent from the Giants’ offseason program. New head coach John Harbaugh addressed the situation directly. When asked about Lawrence, Harbaugh said, “I want the big guy back.” However, his response about another defensive player, Kavon Thibodeaux, was telling: “Everybody’s tradable. Everybody, you know, even you’re tradable, Dan.”

Harbaugh’s Tough Stance on Dexter Lawrence

Kevin interpreted Harbaugh’s comments as a message to the team: “This sounds like tough talk from Harbaugh.” He believes it’s a sign that there are “no sacred cows here” and everyone will be evaluated. However, Kevin argued against trading Lawrence, stating, “I wouldn’t trade Dexter Lawrence just because they want to win now.” He believes Lawrence should be a core part of their plan to compete in the next two years.

Lawrence’s Contract and Value to the Giants

J.Mack agreed, emphasizing Lawrence’s importance. “I don’t think so.” He pointed out that defensive tackle salaries have significantly increased since Lawrence signed his contract. He’s currently the 12th highest-paid defensive tackle. “The Giants last year, they stunk against the run. And I know Dexter Lawrence was out there, but when you’re trying to improve that, you don’t get rid of good football players.” J.Mack sees Harbaugh’s strong words as a way to motivate the team, signaling a new era under his leadership. He believes the Giants should not trade Lawrence.

Player’s Perspective and Trade Implications

From a player’s perspective, hearing the coach say everyone is tradable is a wake-up call. “I better make sure I’m at offseason workouts because everyone’s not Dexter Lawrence.” The reality is that Lawrence is a unique player. He’s one of the few defensive tackles who can generate pressure on the quarterback from the interior. This ability is rare in the NFL. If the Giants were to trade him, it might suggest long-term concerns about his elbow injury. In that case, other teams would be hesitant to acquire him. Therefore, Dexter Lawrence is expected to remain a Giant for the foreseeable future.

Source: If C.J. Stroud can get back to ROOKIE FORM, could the Texans WIN THE SUPER BOWL? 😳 | Get Up (YouTube)