The Texas Quandary: C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ Struggle to Protect Their Quarterback
In the fast-paced and physical world of the NFL, a quarterback’s success often hinges on his ability to stay upright in the pocket. The pressure from opposing defenses can be overwhelming, and if a quarterback doesn’t have the protection of a solid offensive line, even the most skilled signal-caller can struggle. For the Houston Texans, the issue of protecting their quarterback has been an ongoing challenge, and it has only gotten more complicated in recent years. In 2024, rookie C.J. Stroud emerged as the Texans’ starting quarterback, but he was also among the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. This was a direct reflection of the Texans’ offensive line struggles. To make matters worse, the team recently traded away Laremy Tunsil, their Pro Bowl left tackle and the cornerstone of their offensive line. With the loss of Tunsil and Stroud’s struggles behind a porous offensive line, the Texans find themselves at a crossroads—one that will require immediate attention if they hope to build a sustainable future.
The Importance of Offensive Line Play
Before delving into Stroud’s situation, it’s essential to understand the pivotal role the offensive line plays in a quarterback’s success. The offensive line is often considered the unsung hero of a football team, as its primary role is to protect the quarterback from relentless pass rushers. A solid offensive line allows a quarterback to set his feet, survey the field, and make plays downfield. Without protection, a quarterback is vulnerable to injuries and poor performance, as they are forced to rush throws or even take sacks, which can derail an entire game or season.
In the NFL, the best quarterbacks—those who consistently perform at a high level—usually have reliable offensive lines that keep them protected. For example, teams with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs or Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals have strong offensive lines that allow them to execute their plays effectively.
C.J. Stroud’s Rookie Season: A Rollercoaster of Pressure
C.J. Stroud’s 2024 rookie campaign with the Texans was marked by significant highs and lows. On the positive side, Stroud showed flashes of his incredible potential as a passer, displaying poise, arm strength, and accuracy that had scouts raving about his talent heading into the NFL draft. His ability to make every throw on the field was evident, and he had a command of the offense that made it clear he was a future star.
However, Stroud’s rookie season was also marred by the constant pressure he faced in the pocket. The Texans’ offensive line was one of the weakest in the league, and as a result, Stroud was sacked a staggering 55 times during the season, the second-highest total in the NFL. This pressure undoubtedly took a toll on Stroud’s performance. Although his talent was undeniable, he struggled to develop consistency when he was constantly under duress. Whether it was holding onto the ball too long or rushing throws to avoid the pass rush, Stroud’s ability to showcase his full potential was hindered by his offensive line’s inability to protect him.
The sacks also had a long-term effect on Stroud’s development. Young quarterbacks, especially those in their first few seasons, need stability in order to develop into their best versions. When a quarterback is constantly forced to play under pressure, it can impact their confidence and decision-making ability. As a result, the Texans needed to address the issue of Stroud’s protection if they hoped to maximize his potential and avoid further damage to his growth as a quarterback.
The Loss of Laremy Tunsil: A Devastating Blow
The situation for the Texans became even more dire when they made the decision to trade away Laremy Tunsil, the franchise’s Pro Bowl left tackle, to another team. Tunsil had been the bedrock of the Texans’ offensive line since he was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins back in 2019. His ability to shut down edge rushers on the left side of the line made him one of the best left tackles in the NFL, and he provided a sense of security for whoever was playing quarterback for the Texans. In an offense where quarterback play was inconsistent, Tunsil was a constant—allowing the quarterback to feel confident in the pocket.
But with Tunsil now gone, the Texans’ offensive line is in disarray. The loss of Tunsil means Stroud is now left without a top-tier protector on the left side, which is arguably the most important position to safeguard a quarterback’s blind side. The left tackle is responsible for protecting the quarterback from the fiercest pass rushers who often come from the edge. Without a reliable left tackle, Stroud will likely continue to face the same pressure he did in his rookie year, if not more.
The Texans’ decision to trade away Tunsil seems to be part of a larger rebuilding effort. The team is focused on stockpiling draft picks and clearing cap space, but the trade is a risky move that could have long-term consequences for Stroud’s development. Without Tunsil, Stroud is left with a less-than-ideal offensive line and will need to make the best of a challenging situation.
What the Texans Need to Do Next
Given the current state of the Texans’ roster, there are several things the team must do to help Stroud succeed and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
- Invest in the Offensive Line: The Texans need to prioritize the offensive line in the upcoming drafts and free-agent signings. While Stroud’s performance will undoubtedly improve with better protection, the team must make sure to surround him with a stronger offensive line that can keep defenders at bay. Finding a new left tackle who can fill the void left by Tunsil should be at the top of their to-do list.
- Develop a Balanced Offensive Attack: While investing in the offensive line is critical, the Texans can also help Stroud by developing a more balanced offensive game plan. A solid running game can take pressure off the quarterback by forcing defenses to respect the run, which in turn opens up opportunities for play-action passes. Additionally, quick-release throws and screens can help mitigate the pressure Stroud faces by getting the ball out of his hands faster.
- Keep Stroud’s Confidence Intact: Stroud’s development depends on his ability to stay confident in his abilities. The Texans should aim to build an offense that suits his strengths, with a playbook that allows him to succeed in short and intermediate throws while gradually incorporating more deep passing opportunities as he matures.
- Address the Pass Rush: Finally, while the Texans’ offensive line needs work, the defensive line also needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The best way to give a young quarterback confidence is by allowing him to see success on the field. By investing in the defense, the Texans can give Stroud more opportunities to shine in a positive game environment.
Conclusion
C.J. Stroud’s rookie season with the Houston Texans was filled with promise, but it was also a reminder of the challenges that come with having an inadequate offensive line. The decision to trade away Laremy Tunsil, the Texans’ best offensive lineman, only complicates matters further. However, the Texans’ future hinges on Stroud’s development, and to ensure his success, the team must address its glaring offensive line issues. With the right investments, coaching, and a strategic approach, Stroud can still flourish despite the adversity he faces. But for now, the Texans’ future may be tied to whether or not they can give their young quarterback the protection he desperately needs.
