On the surface and in the box score, C.J. Stroud looked like “the guy” in the first quarter tonight. Smooth pocket presence, sharp reads, and enough juice to keep Tampa’s defense honest, but that all fell apart quickly. With a struggling offensive line, Stroud was on the move and uncomfortable for most of the night.
This came to a head in the 2nd half, where it looked like Stroud was on a different planet. Missing throws, poor timing, and just a feeling of hesitation on every snap led to a wasted opportunity, and as a result, the team dropped to 0-2 to start the season.
The most telling series in the game came late in the 4th quarter with a chance to take the lead. Tampa had its punt blocked, and Houston took over at the Bucs’ 35-yard line.
On 1st down, Xavier Hutchinson ran a great route across the middle of the field, and Stroud missed him with a late throw by a full second. Maybe Hutchinson was supposed to sit and wait once he hit the empty window, but Stroud had eyes on him the entire way and just flat out missed him. 2nd down was a carry by Chubb for no gain.
Stroud then followed up with this beauty on 3rd down before having to settle for a field goal.
Houston’s defense kept them in the game for as long as they could, pressuring Baker on nearly every snap, and securing 4 sacks in the process. But a weak offensive game plan and some poor decision-making by Stroud left them high and dry.
If you look at tonight as a solitary game, then I’d agree there’s no reason to worry. Pair this with a rough 2024 and a bad Week 1?
Houston, we have a problem.