Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud expressed frustration after his team’s disappointing 21-13 loss to the New York Jets on Thursday night. The Texans, who entered the game with a strong 6-2 record, were surprised to be listed as underdogs against the 2-6 Jets. However, after a rough outing in East Rutherford, NJ, Stroud acknowledged that the Jets had exposed several issues in the Texans’ performance.
“It’s never fun to come out here on a prime-time game and get embarrassed,” Stroud stated, emphasizing that improvement needs to start with him. Despite injuries sidelining key receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, Stroud struggled under pressure, taking eight sacks and getting hit 11 times. His performance included a fumble in the red zone and only 36.7% passing accuracy, completing 11-of-30 attempts for 191 yards without touchdowns.
Stroud admitted he needed to release the ball faster and work through his progressions more efficiently. “There’s times I sit back and think too much,” he said, adding that he aims to better recognize and execute options as they develop.
Looking ahead, the Texans hope to rebound when they host the Detroit Lions in Week 10. Collins may return from his hamstring injury for that game, but Diggs will remain out for the season due to a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Detroit, currently holding a 6-1 record, will face the Green Bay Packers before meeting Houston, entering that matchup as 2.5-point favorites.
