C.J. Stroud hasn’t exactly lit it up in preseason.
The No. 2 overall pick has had tepid performances with passer ratings of 17.7 and 71.5. The Houston Texans rookie has also lacked a signature moment to display his full potential — compared to fellow first-rounder Will Anderson, who had a strip-sack in the 28-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Stroud has not been horrendous in preseason, but he hasn’t exactly let it rip. The former Ohio State product hasn’t shown he can lead the offense yet, more so that he’s along for the ride.
With the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints set for Aug. 27, here are three ways Stroud can end the exhibition phase on a high note.
Score a touchdown
It could be Stroud throwing a 1-yard pass to Teagan Quitoriano or sneaking across the goal line or even handing the ball off to Dameon Pierce. At some point, a drive led by Stroud needs to end with six points — seven if counting Ka’imi Fairbairn’s extra point. Belaboring this outcome prolongs the anxiety about the offense.
Be consistent
Stroud told reporters after the game that the biggest item he seeks to improve upon with the regular season on the horizon is his consistency.
“Just consistent in everything, my approach, the way it spins out of my hand, the way I call plays,” Stroud said Aug. 19 after the Miami game. “I definitely think that’s my — I have a lot of things I want to hit, but that’s probably the main focus is being consistent.”
Play mistake free
As iconic as a scoring drive would be, having multiple series wherein Stroud played mistake free would be optimistic. That would mean no interceptions, delay of game penalties, or even sacks. Any demonstration that the rookie quarterback is not going to be a problem would help the offense and also game management.
