The Houston Texans are experiencing a rough start this season with four consecutive losses. However, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky argues that their quarterback, C.J. Stroud, isn’t the problem. In fact, Orlovsky suggests Stroud’s performance merits the kind of contract reserved for only the league’s top quarterbacks.
“C.J. Stroud has no business being 0-4,” Orlovsky said during ESPN’s “NFL Live.” Despite Houston’s defeat to the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday, Stroud showcased his talent once again. He completed 21 of 31 passes, accumulating 347 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Stroud’s promising start contradicts Houston’s difficult season. Over four games, he has passed for a total of 1,141 yards, five touchdowns, and maintained a perfect record of zero interceptions. His passer rating stands at 95.9, according to Orlovsky.
Orlovsky elaborated on the dilemma Houston faces, explaining that quarterback contracts are often tied more to a team’s record than individual performance. “Traditionally, you wouldn’t expect a contract for a quarterback who is 0-4,” he remarked. “But if you evaluate his play alone, the $50 million to $55 million he’s requesting seems justified.”
Many argue quarterbacks should be judged on wins and losses above any other metric, particularly when considering large contracts. But Stroud challenges this notion, exemplifying how team records may not reflect true player potential. Houston has scored over 30 points in two games and lost them both.
The Texans began their season with a narrow 36-31 loss against the Buffalo Bills, and recently succumbed to Dallas with a score of 34-30. The Texans’ defense allowed Dallas 24 points in the second half, including a critical 74-yard drive sealing their defeat. Stroud’s efforts initially positioned Houston for success, although Dallas ultimately outmaneuvered them.
Reflecting on Stroud’s performance, Orlovsky compares today to his standout rookie season. “The seam plays, red zone throws, improvisation with legs—his effectiveness resembles when he first emerged as a promising young quarterback.”
In his rookie year, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, netted 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 2023. Under his guidance, Houston emerged from being a bottom-tier team to securing an AFC South title, earning Stroud the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
His subsequent seasons weren’t as distinguished: 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024; 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2025. Yet in the current 2026 season, Stroud is renewing his rookie season efficiency with zero interceptions over 151 attempts and 7.6 yards per attempt—his best since averaging 8.2 yards in his debut year.
Houston’s dismal record disappointingly overshadows Stroud’s on-field accomplishments. One contributing factor, Orlovsky points out, is a faltering defense. During the 2025 regular season, they allowed a 30-point score once. This year, they have already faced such scores twice in merely four games.
Nonetheless, Stroud isn’t faultless and the offense hasn’t reached its peak. Houston produced only six points in the Week 2 loss to Cincinnati, then 17 against Indianapolis afterward. Even so, assessing Stroud on the basis of Houston’s 0-4 streak dismisses his remarkable individual play.
Houston will need to decide Stroud’s future and assess his potential to lead the team deep into playoff contention. Based on Orlovsky’s analysis, the pressing concern isn’t with Stroud—it lies in ensuring the team capitalizes on his performance.