Something has to give here. The New Orleans Saints’ playmaking secondary is looking to get the better of C.J. Stroud where other units have failed; the Houston Texans rookie quarterback looks like the real deal going into Week 6. He’s playing at a very high level and making some difficult throws despite an undermanned receiving corps and spotty protection keeping him upright.
He has not thrown an interception through his first five games, a streak of 186 consecutive pass attempts, which is commendable — but it would be a mistake to characterize this as Stroud not putting the ball in harm’s way. There’s been a little luck involved. He’s fumbled three times in the last two games, twice failing to recover and turning the ball over. And you have to think the interceptions will come soon.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III dropped a pick last week, as did two different Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. Pro Football Focus charting has found Stroud has thrown five turnover-worthy passes this season, but opponents have not capitalized on those risky decisions.
Can the Saints take advantage of his rookie mistakes where others didn’t? Maybe so. They’re going into Week 6 with seven interceptions, tied for third-most around the league, and those passes have been taken away by seven different defenders. Multiple players are stepping up and plucking the ball away when given the opportunity.
So what’s going to happen first? Will Stroud’s dangerous throws come back to bite him? Or will the Saints defense start dropping passes? It’s an intriguing factor in this matchup. Every opportunity to take the ball away and put the New Orleans offense in good field position matters. The Saints did a great job of playing complimentary football last week. Let’s hope it continues on Sunday.
