Searching For Stroud: Texans Need QB Back For Playoff Push
DeMeco Ryans knew the Houston Texans would be in for a long day against the NFL's top defense.
The first-year coach knew one explosive play could be the difference between leaving NRG Stadium on Christmas Eve a game closer to making the postseason or entering a winner-take-all showdown heading into the home finale.
It wasn't one big-time play from Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler receiver Amari Cooper. It was several. Cooper broke free on the game's first play for a gain of 53 yards. He later blazed past D'Angelo Ross on a vertical pattern for a 75-yard score in the second quarter.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce breaks free for a 98-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Brown at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
And the Texas offense? It was invisible until Ryans waved the white flag and turned to Davis Mills. Case Keenum never found a rhythm, the run game was obsolete and countless miscues at the line of scrimmage factored into a 36-22 loss at home.
Take away whatever you want overall from Sunday's Christmas Eve massacre, but there's one flaw starring everyone in the face. Houston needs rookie C.J. Stroud if they stand a chance of making the postseason.
Even then, nothing is promised.
“For us, we have to play better football,” Ryans said postgame. “Before we have an opportunity to talk about playoffs or get in, we’ve got to play better. You have to earn those spots to get into the playoffs. Until then, we have to do a much better job collectively.”
Stroud, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after ranking second in passing yards heading into Week 14, missed his second consecutive game due to concussion protocol. He's made strides to return to the field, but doctors have yet to clear him for padded practice.
No, Stroud's presence might not have secured the win, but it would have made the game enjoyable. Houston's offense hasn't finished with 250 total yards or fewer since last season, also known as 'Pre-C.J.' by those who remember the dark times.
At least Houston would've found the end zone once with No. 7 under center, right? Mills scored twice, albeit against a combination of starters and second-teamers, but the No. 2 pick's persona and poise in the pocket would've put up six points by halftime.
Instead, Keenum, who led the Texans to a 19-16 win over the Tennessee Titans last week, took center stage again. After forcing the game to overtime in Nissan Stadium, it seemed like the right call.
But Tennessee has been known for its self-implosion all season. Cleveland has been scorching despite turning to its fourth quarterback before the new calendar year.
Nineteen points might work against a non-playoff roster. It won't suffice against a playoff-caliber roster. Keenum's one-hit wonder disappeared as penalties and punts told Houston's side of the story.
Keenum finished 11-of-17 for 62 yards, with two interceptions and a 31.6 passer rating. Meanwhile, Flacco threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Cooper.
Cooper finished with a franchise-shattering 265 receiving yards on 11 catches, averaging 24.1 yards per reception. Four of his near-dozen hauls were considered "explosive plays" of over 20 yards.
“When you have the receiver over there (Amari Cooper) doing what he was doing and Joe (Flacco) playing how he was playing, it was tough keeping up,” Keenum said.
Stroud might not have won, but he would've kept things close. Dameon Pierce's 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the only spark any system showed until Mills replaced Keenum, but Stefanski had pulled most of his starters.
Flacco was out. So was Cooper. Myles Garrett's day was done, and Denzel Ward was sipping water rather than reading routes.
Sure, Mills connected with Nico Collins and Andrew Beck to dissolve a 29-point lead to 14, but everyone knew the game was over. Fans have flocked to the exit to finish late-second Christmas plans instead of watching the clock strike zero.
Ryans never considered switching from Keenum to Mills at halftime. In a sense, it wouldn't have mattered since Houston trailed by 15 entering the locker room.
“It didn’t matter what happened or who was at quarterback, we couldn’t get moving," said Ryans.
Momentum must shift entering Wednesday's practice. Houston needs more than a strong week of running drills to secure back-to-back wins and fight for a postseason berth.
The Texans need Stroud. They'd love to have Tytus Howard and Tank Dell back, but they'll manage. They can hope Will Anderson Jr., Blake Cashman, and Jimmie Ward will be full-go on defense, but they'll survive.
Houston might as well be dead in the water without the No. 2 pick being the No. 1 offensive option. Ryans said Stroud's status still needs to be finalized.
“We’ll see where C.J. is,” Ryans said. “We’re not making a decision right now on quarterbacks.”
Ryans might not have an answer, but the Texans do in terms of their fate if Stroud continues to miss time.
