C.J. Stroud Praises 'Stout' Atlanta Falcons Defense
The Atlanta Falcons are hosting the Houston Texans this weekend in a game that will see one team go above .500.
Very few are playing quarterback in the NFL better than C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. Stroud is recognizing the challenge that the Falcons run defense can pose this weekend.
“Yeah, Atlanta is a really stout, really good defense," Stroud said. "Their [defensive] line is really good. Grady [Jarrett] is a great player up front. The linebackers float around, play off their [defensive] line. They set the edge as well, so it’s hard to run the ball against them."
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud
Troy Taormina-USA Today Sports
As disciples of the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff, the Texans want to establish the run early and often in each game they have played. However, with a banged-up offensive line, the team has ranked just 26th in the league in rushing so far.
That being said, Dameon Pierce nearly ran for 1,000 yards in his rookie season and would likely have hit that mark if he stayed healthy. The team also signed Devin Singletary over the offseason from the Buffalo Bills, and he has the potential to breakout in any given week.
In order for the Falcons to win Sunday, limiting the Texans run game will be key. Sure, Stroud poses a threat through the air, but by taking away the run, the Falcons force the Texans to play into matchups where Atlanta may have an edge with A.J. Terrell, Jeff Okudah, Jessie Bates III and Richie Grant in the secondary.
The Texans and Falcons kick off at 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
