Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is having himself a year. Recently named Rookie of the Month, he’s fifth in the NFL in passing yards and averaging 300 yards passing per game. But those numbers are inflated partially due to the weaker opponents he’s faced in the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars, who allowed 384 and 280 yards.
The Texans got a real taste for a tough defensive opponent right out of the gate, though. In Week 1 versus the Baltimore Ravens, Stroud took five sacks and, deducting the 46 yards lost, was limited to 196 pass yards. No touchdowns were thrown on 44 pass attempts.
Buy Steelers TicketsThis week is easily Stroud’s biggest test so far this season as far as pressure goes. Sharp Football Analysis’ Warren Sharp noted that when T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and company get pressure on the quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is fourth in EPA (expected points added) per attempt.
Stroud is second behind only Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa when kept clean. That’s nice and all, but he’s been sacked 11 times, tied for fourth-most with New Orleans Saints’ Derek Carr.
the Steelers pass D has major splits based on getting pressure:
get pressure: #4 in EPA/att
no pressure: #25 in EPA/att
when C.J. Stroud is kept clean, he ranks #2 in EPA/att behind only Tua
also, watch for the 21 personnel of Houston via @SportsGridpic.twitter.com/uNCUu155pN
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 30, 2023
“You have to be aware of them, but at the same time, we have to have confidence in what we’re doing,” Stroud said of Watt and Highsmith on Wednesday. “They have to play us, too. We’re not just going to lay down and just submit because he’s the best player.”
The Steelers lead the league in sacks by a wide margin with 13 (the next team is the Buffalo Bills with nine). Watt and Highsmith own more than half of that number. The Texans’ 23rd-ranked offensive line, which includes beloved former Steelers guard/center Kendrick Green, will have its hands full.
I get the feeling Stroud will be lying down a lot this afternoon.
