The Houston Texans received their first have a look at their new potential franchise quarterback on Thursday evening, as rookie signal-caller C.J. Stroud began Houston’s first preseason matchup in opposition to the Patriots in New England. He performed simply two collection within the Texans’ 20-9 victory, and sadly didn’t get the offense transferring in his first skilled motion.
Stroud performed 11 snaps, and accomplished 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards and one interception. The Ohio State product additionally rushed twice for six yards, and took a 15-yard sack on the fourth play of the sport.
Stroud’s interception got here on Houston’s first drive of the evening on a third-and-21. Veteran defensive again Jalen Mills learn the rook like a ebook, and stole possession away for the Pats. New England then capitalized on the quick discipline with a profitable 44-yard discipline purpose.
“Received to make a play smarter and never put my protection in a foul state of affairs, put them proper in discipline purpose vary, and that is my mistake,” Stroud stated. “Though I am a rookie, nonetheless making an attempt to play as a vet and play sound soccer and never solely shield my offense however to guard the protection, as nicely.”
Stroud did not get a lot of an opportunity to indicate what he is able to in his first 11 preseason performs. An enormous motive for this was the play of his offensive line — which struggled immensely in opposition to the Patriots’ stress.
The No. 2 general decide within the 2023 NFL Draft was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist throughout his time in Columbus, and recorded probably the most passing touchdowns in a two-year span in Large Ten historical past with 85. Stroud led an offense that ranked No. 1 within the FBS in factors per recreation (45.0) and yards per recreation (526.0) over the previous two seasons. Houston is hoping he can spark the Texans offense sooner or later.
