DeMeco Ryans had some encouraging words for CJ Stroud after the Houston Texans’ unceremonious exit from the 2025 NFL Playoffs.
The Texans quarterback had arguably the worst game of his career Sunday in Houston’s 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots in their divisional round clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Stroud went 20/47 for a 42.6% completion rate — the second-worst mark of his career in both the regular season and playoffs.
Stroud also coughed up a career-high four interceptions in the Texans’ two-score loss to the Patriots. The performance led Stroud to become a lightning rod for criticism from both fans and media members alike.
Ryans spoke to reporters Monday and was naturally asked about Stroud. The 41-year-old coach said that he urged his QB to mentally “flush” away the game and instead focus on improving in the offseason.
“I talked with C.J. today and my message is the same,” Ryans said, via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “Right now, it’s just about him flushing this one. It’s going to be a lot of negative talk, a lot of attention on him. He can’t listen to it all. He’s just got to get back to work in the offseason of going back to the basics, the fundamentals of playing the quarterback position, playing it really well, understanding how we need to play the game to win the game. He understands that already.”
Stroud appeared destined for superstardom after his rookie season in 2023. The Ohio State alum threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns and 5 interceptions across 15 games. His stellar first-year campaign earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and even some MVP votes. At least one former NFL star believes the pressure of living up to his rookie-year hype has weighed Stroud down.
Stroud’s numbers declined across the board this season, throwing for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 14 games. The Texans and their formidable defense netted 12 wins in 2025 seemingly despite Stroud rather than because of him.
At least one former NFL star believes the pressure of living up to his rookie-year hype has weighed Stroud down.
