C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans exited the playoffs in a turnover-laden affair against the New England Patriots two weeks ago, much to the consternation of those hoping the young quarterback would take the next step in his evolution alongside a championship-caliber defense.
Those watching instead witnessed Stroud shaken mightily by the opposing defense, leading to four interceptions and countless passes thrown scattershot across the field while going 20 of 47 for 212 yards, one touchdown and a 28.0 passer rating in the 28-16 Divisional Round loss.
Nico Collins, one of the onlookers rather than participants due to a concussion, remains resolute in his faith in the quarterback.
"Just keep your head up," Collins said when asked by KPRC2's Aaron Wilson what he's told Stroud since the loss. "Like, it's not the way we want to end, you know what I'm saying? Our goal was to go to the Super Bowl, but things happen. Just keep being you, brother. Don't let this one game define who you are. We all know who you are. Keep being a star. Keep being a leader you are. Keep being the light in the room and just keep being you.
"The dude's a baller, man. One freak of an athlete. So, I'm excited for next year. Just can't wait to get back on the field with the guys, get back grinding, and continue to be great."
Considering how big of an offseason Stroud is heading into, his playoff dud came at a most inopportune time, especially on the heels of a wild-card win in which he threw a pick and fumbled the ball a remarkable five times. He wasn't at all the Stroud that Houston saw in the regular season; across 14 starts, he threw eight interceptions -- just three more than his did in the playoffs -- and only put the ball on the turf twice.
The Texans will need to take the totality of Stroud's three years into account over the coming months when deciding how to approach the QB's future. Houston is now in the window to officially decide on exercising Stroud's fifth-year rookie option, lest he go into 2026 on the final year of his deal, and he's also eligible for an extension.
Since coming to Houston as the 2023 NFL Draft's No. 2 overall pick, Stroud has won Offensive Rookie of the Year, thrown for 10,876 yards and 62 TDs to 25 INTs, led the Texans to three straight playoff berths for the first time in franchise history and never fallen short of the Divisional Round.
He's also never advanced beyond that stage, though, and along with his recent postseason stumble hasn't provided the Texans offense with quite the same ceiling he did as an unproven rookie, when he led the NFL with 273.9 passing yards per game.
Still, he took quite a burden on his shoulders this season as the Texans figured out their running game without Joe Mixon, and Houston did nothing on the ground (48 rushing yards) against New England to lessen the relentless pressure on him. He was without his top wideout in Collins. Tight end Dalton Schultz also departed with an injury after contributing two receptions for 47 yards on the Texans' second drive, which proved to be their longest of the game.
It's not hard to imagine Stroud finding his footing in a game that was close entering the final frame to eke out a win had he been able to look the way of Schultz, Collins or both.
"It is what it is," Collins said of missing his team's final game. "Things happen. That's life. Definitely missed being out there with my fellas. Didn't expect Pittsburgh to be my last outing. But it is what it is. It's God's timing. Just thankful that I'm feeling great."
Arguments over Stroud's performance through three seasons have merit on both sides and will continue to be had, as will conversations over how the Texans can break through the Divisional Round ceiling.
From Collins' vantage point, it's simply onwards and upwards for now after a promising season fell short.
"Man, it was one hell of a year. It was a great year," Collins said. "It didn't start out the way we wanted to, but I feel like, man, just the ride, just the bonding and just going out and competing with each other, it was one great feeling. Don't regret one moment. I feel like it's all motivation for next year. Gonna get out there, get ready for OTAs and throughout camp. Motivation for next year, for sure."
