Steve Smith Calls Out the Texans — Is C.J. Stroud Really the Problem?
Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. recently weighed in on the Houston Texans’ offensive struggles — and his comments sparked a much bigger conversation about C.J. Stroud, the offensive line, and the run game.
On today’s show, we react to Steve Smith’s breakdown of why the Texans’ offense has been inconsistent, including heavy criticism of play-calling, protection adjustments, and the lack of a reliable run game. Smith argues that Houston has put too much on C.J. Stroud’s shoulders, often asking him to create offense behind imperfect protection without balance or adjustments.
But is the offensive line really the main issue?
We dig deeper using film, context, and analytics, including how pressure is tracked by PFF versus what actually shows up on tape. While last season’s protection issues were undeniable, this year tells a more complicated story — one where run blocking, early-down efficiency, and quarterback decision-making all play a role.
We also discuss:
Why pressure stats don’t always match what fans see on film
How the lack of a run game puts Stroud in constant second-and-long situations
Whether Stroud is a “win because of” quarterback or still developing into one
How confidence, protection, and personnel impact quarterback play long-term
C.J. Stroud has shown elite flashes — including clutch comeback wins and playoff performances — but the Texans now face a critical question: how do you build an offense that makes his job easier instead of harder?
👇 Drop your take in the comments:
Is this on the offensive line, the run game, or C.J. Stroud himself?
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5 comments
Facts, in the last 8 weeks Texans were ranked 18th in o-line
Like yea it could have been better but still
CJ is too dumb to read a defense
It’s a combination of the o line and bad play calling. The o line cannot consistently protect without brown in the line up. Stroud for sure made bad decisions. Because the o line cannot pass block or run block. So he tried to be Superman. And the play calling and blocking isn’t good enough for him to do it.
It’s a combo of bad Oline, Bad QB play, and bad play calling.
Now I will say the two playoff games. Caley called a good game vs the Steelers and a decent game vs the Pats but it was mostly Strouds fuck ups that did them in. This is coming from a person who defends CJ constantly.
Nick Calley’s head on a stick…
equals “better offensive play