The Houston Texans’ 2025 season came to a cold, wet, and frustrating end in the Divisional Round, falling to the New England Patriots in a game that was as messy on the field as it was on the scoreboard. Battling through a mix of snow, rain, and biting temperatures, both offenses struggled to gain traction-but it was C.J. Stroud’s performance that stood out, and not for the right reasons.
Stroud burst onto the NFL scene in 2023 with a rookie campaign that turned heads across the league. He was poised, precise, and protected the football like a veteran, throwing just three interceptions all season.
That kind of ball security is rare for a rookie quarterback, and it set a high bar for what came next. But fast-forward to 2025, and that early promise has started to fade.
Turnovers have become a real concern, and the issue reared its head again during Houston’s Wild Card win over Pittsburgh-and even more so in the loss to New England.
During the ESPN broadcast, Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman didn’t hold back in his assessment of where the Texans stand. “DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio, they’ve got some tough decisions they gotta make about this team on the offensive side of the ball,” Aikman said.
“C.J. Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years.
He’s not been the same player. We’ve not seen the development from him.
There’s a reason for that, and it has to be addressed.”
That’s a strong statement from someone who knows what it’s like to lead a team through adversity. Aikman also pointed to the Texans’ offensive coordinator carousel as part of the issue.
Bobby Slowick, who helped engineer Stroud’s electric rookie season, was let go after the 2024 campaign when Stroud took a step back. But with Stroud’s struggles continuing into 2025, it’s fair to wonder if the problems go deeper than just play-calling.
The Texans now find themselves at a crossroads. Stroud’s fifth-year option looms this offseason, and the clock is ticking on a potential long-term extension.
The franchise needs to figure out not just whether Stroud is the guy, but how to get him back to playing like the guy they drafted. There’s no indication the Texans are ready to move on from their young quarterback-and honestly, they shouldn’t be.
Stroud still shows flashes of the elite talent that made him a top pick. But those flashes need to become more consistent, and fast.
One thing working in Houston’s favor? That defense.
Under DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have built a tough, disciplined unit that’s been the backbone of their success. It’s not a stretch to say the defense carried this team through stretches of the season.
But in the playoffs, especially against top-tier competition, you need more than just defense. You need your quarterback to make plays, protect the ball, and elevate the offense.
Right now, Stroud isn’t doing that. The Texans have invested heavily in building around him, and now it’s about figuring out what’s holding him back.
Is it scheme? Is it coaching?
Is it confidence? Those are the questions that need answers-and quickly.
Houston has a young roster, a strong culture under Ryans, and a defense built to win now. If they can get Stroud back on track, this team has another level it can reach. But if the trend continues, the Texans could find themselves stuck in neutral at a time when the engine should be revving.