C.J. Stroud’s Performance Shines Despite Texans’ Struggles

The Houston Texans have not won a game in their first four matchups this season. However, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes quarterback C.J. Stroud is not to blame. According to Orlovsky, Stroud’s performances merit the sort of hefty contract often given to top NFL quarterbacks.

“C.J. Stroud has no business being 0-4,” Orlovsky stated on ESPN’s “NFL Live.” Houston’s recent 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys extended their losing streak, but Stroud’s individual performance was noteworthy. The 24-year-old completed 21 of 31 passes, accumulating 347 yards and scoring two touchdowns without any interceptions.

Stroud’s start to the season has been quietly impressive, in spite of Houston’s overall struggles. Over the four games, Stroud has thrown for 1,141 yards, achieved five touchdowns, and avoided interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 95.9. Orlovsky considers these stats when evaluating the quarterback, rather than focusing solely on the Texans’ record.

C.J. Stroud’s play justifies the $50 million to $55 million range that he could be asking for, according to Orlovsky, despite the traditional reluctance to reward quarterbacks with poor win-loss records.

This narrative creates a dilemma for the Texans. Quarterbacks are often judged by team success, particularly in discussions about high-value contracts. Stroud’s situation exemplifies why wins and losses do not always tell the entire story. The Texans have scored at least 30 points in two games this season, losing both.

In the season opener, Houston lost to the Buffalo Bills 36-31, followed by a 34-30 defeat against Dallas. The Texans’ defense allowed the Cowboys 24 second-half points, including a decisive 74-yard drive in the final minutes.

Orlovsky compares Stroud’s current form to his rookie season, where he emerged as a promising quarterback. “The keeper game, the seams game in the red zone, the broken plays he’s made with his legs to throw, the play-action stuff, it’s as good as it’s been since his rookie year,” Orlovsky noted.

Stroud’s rookie year achievements were significant. He threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions, which helped Houston win the AFC South and earn Stroud the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year title. In contrast, his performance over the following seasons was less impressive.

In 2024, Stroud threw for 3,727 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and ended the 2025 season with 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Yet, in 2026, the efficiency seen in his rookie year seems to have resurged. With 151 pass attempts, Stroud is free of interceptions, and his 7.6 yards per attempt is his best since his rookie year mark of 8.2.

Yet, the Texans’ current record does not mirror Stroud’s ability. Orlovsky emphasizes the defense as a significant difference this year. Houston conceded 30 or more points only once in 2025, while this has happened twice in the first four games of 2026.

Even though Stroud and the offense have room for improvement, focusing solely on the 0-4 record fails to reflect Stroud’s performance. This distinction might matter as questions about his future emerge. As the Texans ponder Stroud’s long-term value and potential to lead playoff campaigns, Orlovsky’s evaluation suggests the real concern lies beyond the quarterback’s role.