Why C.J. Stroud is about to have a career year

Q: What were the main issues with C.J. Stroud's performance in 2025?

Stroud faced challenges due to poor play calling, key injuries to teammates, and a struggling offensive line, which impacted his performance.

Q: How is C.J. Stroud preparing for the 2026 NFL season?

Stroud is focused on improving his mechanics and building chemistry with teammates, showing a more serious and committed approach compared to the previous offseason.

Q: What changes have been made to the Houston Texans' roster for 2026?

The Texans added key players like all-pro RB David Montgomery and veteran offensive linemen, which should enhance Stroud's offensive support.

Q: Why is the connection between C.J. Stroud and offensive coordinator Nick Caley important?

A strong connection is crucial for effective communication and play execution, which can significantly impact Stroud's performance and the team's success.

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images There’s a mantra in the world of commission selling that states “You’re only as good as your last sale.” Well, the same thing applies in many ways in pro sports. At least as far as a segment of every fan base is concerned. That modified mantra is “You’re only as good as your last game.” Houston Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud’s last game was… not good. And, despite the fact that Stroud has a higher win rate than any other quarterback who has started 10 or more games for Texans, many are blasting him for the last one. Many saying he needs to be shown the door. The 2025 Houston Texans, in a nutshell, were a savagely good defense, a solid special teams and a questionable – at best – offense. Rookie offensive coordinator Nick Caley came under fire, rightfully so, early and often for poor play calling, piss-poor red zone effectiveness and all around not-ready-for-prime time game management. That’s not Stroud’s fault. In the off-season, rumors have emerged time and again of plays not making it to the huddle from the sidelines until the play clock was nearly expired, over and over. That’s not Stroud’s fault. Stroud’s #1 receiver, Nico Collins, was out against the Patriots. Stroud’s #1 running back was AWOL all year. Starting right tackle Trent Brown, also out that fateful day. Houston’s offensive line, also out – or at least they played like it. couldn’t catch a cold, much less a pass, leading to at least 1 key turnover. None of those are Stroud’s fault either. With late arriving plays, poor scheming, key injuries, a non-existent blocking performance, on the road in the playoffs, it’s hard to make a logical argument for how any quarterback could make chicken salad out of chicken [bleep]. Now, Stroud still has to own his mistakes, and there were several. But, if you pay attention, most of them were from trying too hard. Attempting to will the team to victory when it just wasn’t in the cards. While nothing good seemed to come from that loss, it’s clearly shown what Stroud is really made of… Last offseason, Stroud was all over the media, laughing, joking, having a good time. Living his best life as if he had arrived. This offseason, we see none of that. What we see/read/hear is Stroud locked in on getting better, improving his mechanics, building chemistry with his teammates, giving his all to “be the best Texan” he can be in 2026. So, if Stroud is improving, working hard to overcome, learning from his mistakes so he doesn’t repeat them, what about the rest? Houston’s insane 2025 defense actually got even better in the offseason. Additions of veteran safety and rookie phenom DT Kayden McDonald will add bricks to this already impenetrable wall. For the offense, all-pro RB1 , rookie guard/center Keylan Rutledge, vet o-linemen and all move the needle in Stroud’s favor. It’s hard to know at this point how offensive coordinator Nick Caley is growing in his role, but hopefully Jerry Schuplinski’s elevation to QB coach helps bridge the gap between Caley and Stroud. If there’s a chink in this armor, it’s the connection between Caley and his QB. Ultimately, the loss to the Patriots last January falls on Caley, not Stroud. Yet the life of an NFL quarterback is always too much glory when the team wins, and too much blame when they lose. Hence Stroud’s current reality.