The Houston Texans have started the season with four consecutive losses, yet ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky argues their quarterback, C.J. Stroud, is not at fault. In Orlovsky’s view, Stroud’s individual performances have been strong enough to merit a substantial contract normally given to the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
During an ESPN ‘NFL Live’ episode, Orlovsky expressed his surprise at Stroud’s winless record. Despite a 34-30 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys, Stroud delivered, completing 21 of 31 passes for 347 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His impressive start to the season stands in contrast to Houston’s team struggles.
In the first four games, Stroud amassed 1,141 passing yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions, earning a 95.9 passer rating. Orlovsky considers Stroud’s on-field contributions, suggesting a high-value contract could be justified despite the win-loss record.
“If you just took the play of the quarterback, you would sit there and yes the $50 million to $55 million that you’re asking for, yes, it’s warranted,” Orlovsky said.
Stroud’s case illustrates why a player’s talent can sometimes outshine the team’s overall record. Houston managed to score over 30 points in two games but lost both. After opening with a 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, they again stumbled against Dallas due to defensive lapses that let the Cowboys score a final 74-yard winning drive.
While losses typically factor heavily in quarterback assessments, Stroud’s situation highlights different aspects. Orlovsky points out Stroud’s play replicates the promise he showed during his rookie year.
“The keeper game, the seams game down in the red zone, the broken plays that he’s made with his legs to throw the football, the play action stuff, it’s as good as it’s been since his rookie year,” Orlovsky stated.
In his rookie year, Stroud accumulated 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, propelling Houston to an AFC South title and earning him NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, his subsequent seasons didn’t reach the same heights, with 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, and 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns in 2025.
Currently, Stroud boasts a passing efficiency reminiscent of his early career, completing 151 attempts without interceptions and averaging 7.6 yards per attempt, his best since the rookie season’s 8.2 yards average. Despite these achievements, Houston’s team record doesn’t match Stroud’s individual success.
The Texans’ defense is a key factor, having already allowed high scores twice this season, a rarity in previous years. Nonetheless, the team’s offense struggles too, managing only six points against Cincinnati and 17 versus Indianapolis in other bouts.
Focusing solely on Houston’s losing streak could obscure Stroud’s noteworthy performances. This distinction may be crucial as Houston decides Stroud’s value and potential as a postseason leader.
If Orlovsky’s assessment holds, the Texans face a primary challenge beyond quarterback performance: preventing the rest of the team from squandering Stroud’s talents.
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