Texans' Coach Ryans Stands by CJ Stroud Amidst Criticism Following Playoff Loss
The Houston Texans ended their season on a disappointing note, losing 28-16 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. The team's quarterback, CJ Stroud, was particularly criticized after throwing four interceptions in the first half, including one pick-six that sealed the win for the Patriots.
Despite fans and others calling for coach DeMeco Ryans to bench Stroud after his poor performance, he refused to criticize his QB, instead choosing to defend him. "CJ's our guy," Ryans said. "I believed that he could come back out in the second half and flip it." Ryans praised Stroud for playing better in the second half, saying he did have some positive drives.
However, the second half was not enough to overcome the Patriots' strong defense, which ultimately secured the win. The Texans' quarterback finished the game with 212 yards, a touchdown pass, and four interceptions on his 20-of-47 completions. Drake Maye, the Patriots' QB, also had some mistakes, including several fumbles, but the Patriots' defense outshone him.
Ryans seems pleased with Stroud despite the criticism, saying he believes in his quarterback's ability to bounce back from a poor first half. However, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the Texans make any significant changes to their offense in the offseason. With the team now eliminated from playoff contention, it remains to be seen what direction Ryans will take.
The Houston Texans ended their season on a disappointing note, losing 28-16 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. The team's quarterback, CJ Stroud, was particularly criticized after throwing four interceptions in the first half, including one pick-six that sealed the win for the Patriots.
Despite fans and others calling for coach DeMeco Ryans to bench Stroud after his poor performance, he refused to criticize his QB, instead choosing to defend him. "CJ's our guy," Ryans said. "I believed that he could come back out in the second half and flip it." Ryans praised Stroud for playing better in the second half, saying he did have some positive drives.
However, the second half was not enough to overcome the Patriots' strong defense, which ultimately secured the win. The Texans' quarterback finished the game with 212 yards, a touchdown pass, and four interceptions on his 20-of-47 completions. Drake Maye, the Patriots' QB, also had some mistakes, including several fumbles, but the Patriots' defense outshone him.
Ryans seems pleased with Stroud despite the criticism, saying he believes in his quarterback's ability to bounce back from a poor first half. However, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the Texans make any significant changes to their offense in the offseason. With the team now eliminated from playoff contention, it remains to be seen what direction Ryans will take.
Seriously though, who else is gonna take a QB with 4 picks in the first half and still try to ride him out? 
That's loyalty right there! But for real, Stroud had some great moments in that second half, let's give it up for him. And can we talk about how both QBs were having major meltdown days... it was like watching a bad rom-com where everyone just wants the guy to get it together already? 
i mean i get it, he did have some positive drives in the 2nd half but still threw those 4 picks... i feel like fans r gonna be expecting some big changes to their offense this offseason lol. but hey maybe ryans knows something we dont and CJ will come back stronger next season 
. Like, come on coach, give them another chance to prove themselves! CJ Stroud made some huge mistakes out there but he also showed some great skills in the second half 
. Maybe they just need to tweak the game plan or something? 
. Like, four interceptions and a pick-six is NOT something you can just 'believe' someone can come back from, you know? It's not like the kid suddenly broke out in the second half or anything. And yeah, maybe he had some decent drives, but that one touchdown pass ain't gonna make up for all those other gaffes... 
.
. Threw 4 picks in the first half and still managed to lead the team in yards 
. But for real tho, 212 yards isn't bad for a QB who just got roasted 
! Did you see Drake Maye's fumbles? 
. Now we'll be waiting to see if the Texans make any offseason changes 
. I'm guessing Stroud will still be our guy 
. Fun fact: did you know that the Patriots have been in the playoffs for 9 consecutive seasons? 
They've got some serious depth 
and I'm still trying to figure out what happened 
... I feel bad for the guy, though - he looked really frustrated out there 
... Coach Ryans seems like a cool dude, though. He sticks by his QB even when everyone's bashing him online 
... Now that the season is over, can we talk about something else? Did you guys watch any good shows over the weekend?