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C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after a loss against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Heading into a contract year, quarterback C.J. Stroud has come under fire for the way the Houston Texans’ season ended in the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
More than two months after that loss, Stroud remains in the crosshairs in social media discourse.
His latest mention came amid developments unrelated to the Texans.
Betting Site Throws Shade at Texans’ C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Stroud had a polarizing season in terms of efficiency and cutting down his sack numbers, while also leading the Texans to double-digit wins and helping them earn a postseason berth for the third consecutive year.
His play regressed in the postseason, culminating in a multi-turnover performance against the Patriots.
Following the Houston Cougars’ elimination from the NCAA Tournament, Stroud caught a stray.
“2-seed Houston eliminated, Rockets just lost a 13 point OT lead, Astros still can’t play offense, Texans QB is a Canes employee,” PrizePicks said in a post on X on March 27. “We might be fading Houston for the rest of the year.”
The post included a graphic featuring former San Antonio Spurs player Jeremy Sochan, who notoriously said, “F*** Houston” in October 2024 regarding their rivalry with the Rockets.
Sochan later doubled down on his remarks.
Fans React to C.J. Stroud Shade
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
The Cougars lost to the University of Illinois 65-55 on Thursday, ending their season in the Sweet 16, which is one round further than Stroud and the Texans advanced in their postseason run.
Still, the comments from the betting site drew ire from some fans. One fan noted the Texans’ need for improvement along the offensive line, which the team went about seeking this offseason, while another brushed the post off as much ado about nothing.
Others took direct shots at PrizePicks.
Stroud notably took responsibility for his performance in the Texans’ postseason games, vowing to come back better for it.
The timing of Stroud’s struggles has only added another layer of intrigue to the situation for the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Texans, who are facing a potential long-term decision on his contract.
Pro Bowler Sets Bar High for Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after beating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh suggested a lofty goal for Stroud and the Texans next season, but it is one many felt was within reach this past campaign.
Houshmanzadeh cited his relationship with and faith in Stroud as a factor.
“Super Bowl. It got to be. I’m biased. C.J., out here working, man. I’ve been knowing him since he was pretty much a kid. He out here grinding, bro. Was on the field today grinding,” Houshmanzadeh said on the “Speakeasy” podcast on March 19.
“All they got to do is not lose the game on offense, and C.J. knows that. He knows that. And the weapons that they have on offense, it’s almost hard to, kind of, rein it in.”
The Texans’ defense ranked first overall and second in scoring defensively last season.
Their offense ranked 18th and 13th, respectively, with the Texans’ passing game finishing 14th as Stroud and Co. learned first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s scheme. It is indeed clear where the Texans’ improvements must come from, and Stroud is the biggest factor.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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