The Houston Texans came into this postseason looking like a team ready to make real noise. After showing steady progress in 2025, a deep playoff run felt within reach.
But for the third straight year, their season ended in the Divisional Round-this time at the hands of the New England Patriots. And while the defense once again showed up in a big way, all eyes are on CJ Stroud after a rough outing that derailed Houston’s hopes.
Stroud threw four first-half interceptions in the loss, a performance that raised serious concerns-not just because of the turnovers, but because it continued a troubling trend. Just a week earlier in the Wild Card Round against Pittsburgh, Stroud had tossed two picks and fumbled five times. That’s seven turnovers in two playoff games, a jarring stat line for a quarterback who burst onto the scene with a sensational rookie campaign in 2023.
There’s no question Stroud has the talent. He was the No. 2 overall pick for a reason, and that first season showed flashes of a franchise cornerstone.
But the past two years haven’t matched that level of play. Even as the Texans have consistently made it to the Divisional Round, Stroud’s individual trajectory has taken a hit.
He’s still expected to be under center when the 2026 season kicks off, but there’s no denying that questions are swirling. Can he bounce back?
Can he reclaim that rookie-year form? Wide receiver Tank Dell certainly thinks so-and he’s not shy about saying it.
“People can say what they want about 7, they're sitting on the couch typing on their computers and typing on their phones,” Dell said. “Everybody knows who 7 is, especially in the facility.
We know who he is. When we get back out there with him, it's gonna be special.”
Dell missed all of 2025 due to injury, and that absence was felt. He and Stroud had developed strong chemistry in 2024, and his return could be a big boost for the offense.
Because while Stroud’s struggles are real, they haven’t happened in a vacuum. The offensive line has been shaky, and the Texans haven’t had a consistent ground game to take pressure off their quarterback.
That’s a tough setup for any passer, let alone one still trying to find his footing after a hot start.
Meanwhile, the Texans’ defense has quietly become one of the best in the league. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Houston has built a unit capable of carrying a team deep into January.
But defense can only take you so far in today’s NFL. At some point, your quarterback has to make plays-and right now, that’s the missing piece.
Stroud doesn’t need to be perfect. He just needs to be the guy we saw in 2023: poised, accurate, and in command.
If he can get back to that level-and if Dell returns to form-the Texans could finally break through that Divisional Round wall. The defense is ready.
Tank Dell said people can say what they want about C.J. Stroud, but when they get back out there together on the field he said “It’s going to be special.” pic.twitter.com/xoHQBumgXO
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 28, 2026
The coaching is in place. Now it’s on the offense, and especially QB7, to rise to the moment.
Tank Dell believes it’s going to be special. Time will tell if he’s right.