Orlovsky Credits C.J. Stroud Despite Texans’ Winless Start

The Houston Texans have had a rough start, losing their first four games of the season. However, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes their quarterback C.J. Stroud shouldn’t be blamed much for this record. In fact, Orlovsky suggests that Stroud’s performance merits a significant contract usually reserved for top NFL quarterbacks.

“C.J. Stroud has no business being 0-4,” Orlovsky commented on ESPN’s “NFL Live.” Despite the team’s latest 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Stroud put in another strong performance. The 24-year-old completed 21 of 31 passes for 347 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Throughout the season, Stroud has quietly made a strong impression, even as Houston struggles. Over four games, he has accumulated 1,141 passing yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions, maintaining a passer rating of 95.9.

Orlovsky points out that evaluating Stroud solely by the team’s record might overlook his true value. “It’s a complicated situation because typically you wouldn’t consider a contract extension for a 0-4 quarterback,” Orlovsky noted. Yet, he defends that Stroud’s performance alone justifies a contract worth $50 to $55 million, presenting a unique challenge for the Texans.

Quarterbacks often face judgment based on wins and losses, especially when large contracts come into play. However, Stroud’s case illustrates why these metrics might not always capture the whole picture. Houston has scored over 30 points twice this season, yet lost both contests.

The team started the season with a 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills and then fell 34-30 to Dallas. In the latest game, Houston’s defense conceded 24 points in the second half, including a game-winning drive by the Cowboys. Despite Stroud giving Houston a chance, Dallas ultimately prevailed.

Orlovsky sees Stroud’s performance as reminiscent of his rookie year when he emerged as a promising talent. “The red zone plays, his mobility, and play-action effectiveness are as good now as they were during his first season,” Orlovsky explained.

During his rookie campaign, Stroud, the former No. 2 pick, threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2023. His performance helped lead Houston from being one of the league’s worst teams to an AFC South championship, earning him the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Stroud’s subsequent seasons weren’t as remarkable. He posted 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024, then finished 2025 with 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. However, early signs in 2026 indicate a return to his rookie form.

Remarkably, Stroud hasn’t thrown any interceptions this season despite 151 pass attempts and boasts his best average in yards per attempt since his rookie year.

Yet, Houston’s win-loss record doesn’t match his personal success. Orlovsky highlights Houston’s defense, which has allowed over 30 points twice in four games. Last year, this occurred only once throughout the entire season.

This doesn’t imply Stroud is flawless or that the Texans’ offense requires no improvement. Houston only managed six points against Cincinnati in Week 2 and 17 points in Week 3 against Indianapolis. Nonetheless, evaluating Stroud solely based on the Texans’ winless record overlooks his individual achievements.

As Houston contemplates Stroud’s long-term future, the quarterback’s strong plays become an essential consideration. Orlovsky suggests the Texans’ primary concern is not Stroud himself, but ensuring they don’t squander his proficient performances.