C.J. Stroud debut report card: Grading the Texans QB's shaky first preseason game

Vinnie Iyer

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C.J. Stroud debut report card: Grading the Texans QB's shaky first preseason game image

C.J. Stroud is a work in progress as the Texans' rookie starting quarterback. The fact he was a rather polished passer at Ohio State before being taken No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft doesn't change that.

Making his debut against Bill Belichick's Patriots defense in Week 1 of the preseason, Stroud confirmed he's likely to go through some of the typical rookie lumps right away in Houston. The first-year QB started with a safe short sideline completion to wide receiver Nico Collins vs. zone coverage, after which his inexperience quickly showed.

On his second dropback, he held the ball too long vs. the inside pass rush and took a 15-yard loss on a sack.

MORE: Will C.J. Stroud start for Texans right away?

The ensuing third-and-long was a disaster: Stroud telegraphed an underneath pass attempt to fellow rookie Tank Dell that was intercepted by veteran safety Jalen Mills. Stroud made an OK read, but his reaction in looking right at Mills cost him on the play.

The Texans tried to settle Stroud on his second series, but more strong inside pressure led to rushed incompletions on a couple of checkdown attempts. On his last snap of the night, Stroud succumbed to New England's swarming front and took off running up the middle for a minimal gain.

C.J. Stroud stats vs. Texans

Stroud's debut will be statistically forgettable. He completed only 2 of 4 pass attempts for 13 yards and, with that INT, his passer rating was a microscopic 17.7. Before Thursday's night game, however, Stroud received rave training camp reviews from first-year defensive-minded coach, DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans, a rookie himself in his position, will help Stroud understand his delivery must be much quicker vs. safeties sitting back in zone. The rookie entered the week ahead in a QB battle with Davis Mills to earn the starting position in Week 1 vs. a tough Ravens defense.

Speaking of Mills, the young starter over the past two seasons took advantage of Stroud's stumbling. He starred in relief of the No. 2 pick by completing 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown to Dell. He finished the night with a 126.7 rating.

The Texans might have a little more pause about throwing Stroud into the fire, but it's still the right kind of trial for him.

MORE: Best rookie quarterback matchups on 2023 NFL schedule

Who will start between C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills?

Based on just two series, it seems as if the Texans would lean toward Mills. But they know what they have in him, whose production didn't progress in 2022. Stroud carries the higher short-term floor and long-term ceiling for Houston. As expected, he will need a lot of support — and there will be more when ace pass-blocking left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who sat out vs. the Patriots, is in the lineup.

It would be a surprise if Stroud isn't out there in Week 1, when it counts, in Baltimore. Keep in mind that the 49ers' Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant in 2022, didn't look good in a similar system while pocket passing in the preseason last year. But he delivered in December.

The Texans aren't as loaded around Stroud, but they are good enough to push him into steady week-to-week improvement. That can't happen with him sitting on the bench behind a lame duck in Mills. Houston, however, will hope Stroud uses the rest of the preseason to provide some of the promised flash.

Stroud's preseason debut grade

Stroud grade: C-

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.