A Closer Look at C.J. Stroud’s Challenging Debut
The preseason match between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, held on August 10, 2023, was marked by a series of noteworthy plays and significant performances. Among them, the debut of the Texans’ No. 2 overall pick, C.J. Stroud, stood out as a major point of interest. Though it was a challenging beginning for Stroud, with just two completions out of four attempts for 13 yards and an interception, this game offered valuable insights into the player’s potential.
Stroud’s Performance: A Detailed Breakdown
Stroud’s start was less than ideal, with the rookie appearing disoriented against the Patriots’ aggressive pass rush. He made a significant mistake by throwing a ball intercepted by defensive back Jalen Mills. However, it’s important to remember that this is just the beginning, and asingle preseason game cannot define Stroud’s entire career. Many great quarterbacks have had forgettable debuts, only to grow into their roles with time and practice.
Why the Texans Won: A Multifaceted Approach
Despite Stroud’s rocky debut, the Texans managed to secure a 20-9 win over the Patriots. The team’s victory can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Depth at Quarterback Position
Mills and Keenum’s performance was instrumental in this win, providing stability after Stroud’s exit. Davis Mills, in particular, showed promise before halftime, while Case Keenum’s leadership in the second half, leading the team to an eight-play, 55-yard touchdown drive, was pivotal.
2. Tank Dell’s Strong Debut
Tank Dell, a third-round rookie, had a remarkable game, leading with 65 yards receiving. His agility, precision, and skills were evident as he put Patriots cornerback Jack Jones on the ground and achieved a bobbling touchdown catch.
3. Defensive Mastery
Houston’s defense also played a significant role in this victory, applying continuous pressure and creating opportunities for turnovers. The ability to read the game and adapt to the Patriots’ strategies made a difference in the final score.
What Went Wrong for the Patriots
In contrast, the Patriots struggled in several areas, leading to their defeat:
1. Offensive Line’s Lack of Protection
The offensive line’s inability to provide adequate protection for Bailey Zappe, along with a failure to create running lanes for the backs, hindered their offensive capabilities. The combination of Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris was limited to just 31 yards on 14 attempts, reflecting the line’s struggle.
2. Absence of Heavy-Hitters
Holding out key players on both sides of the ball undoubtedly impacted the Patriots’ performance. Without their key players, the team failed to demonstrate their potential fully.
3. New Offensive Coordination
While much has been made of the team’s revamped offense under new OC Bill O’Brien, the unit’s sluggish start in the preseason opener indicated that there might be room for improvement.
Stock Watch: Players to Look Out For
With the preseason being a platform for emerging talents, some players significantly impacted their stock:
Texans
- Stock Up: Tank Dell – His game-high eight targets and strong debut promise an exciting season ahead.
- Stock Down: C.J. Stroud – A challenging debut, but one that he can build upon.
Patriots
- Stock Up: Keion White – A constant pressure on Houston’s backfield.
- Stock Down: Conor McDermott – Struggles in run blocking and pass protection.
- Stock Up (Honorable Mention): Malik Cunningham – An impressive showing as he switched roles between WR and QB.
Conclusion: Lessons and Expectations
The preseason opener between the Patriots and Texans was more than a game; it was a glimpse into the potentials, strategies, and areas of improvement for both teams. While the Texans will rejoice in their win and learn from the debuts of their rookies, the Patriots will undoubtedly analyze their weaknesses and plan for the regular season.
One game is not a final judgment, but rather a stepping stone. The journey of these two teams will be intriguing to watch, as the preseason unfolds, giving fans, analysts, and the teams themselves valuable insights into what the 2023 NFL season might bring.