DeMeco Ryans Still Has Blind Faith in CJ Stroud After One of the Worst Games of His Career Against Patriots

DeMeco Ryans has complete faith in quarterback CJ Stroud even though he threw four interceptions against the Patriots in the AFC Divisional round game.

DeMeco Ryans Still Has Blind Faith in CJ Stroud After One of the Worst Games of His Career Against Patriots

CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

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CJ Stroud threw four first-half picks in the Houston Texans’ AFC Divisional round defeat against the New England Patriots. Despite Stroud’s poor display, DeMeco Ryans has complete faith in his young quarterback to lead the Texans next season.

Ryans needed Stroud to minimize mistakes to overcome the formidable Patriots defense. Had the third-year signal caller adhered to the game plan, the Texans’ top-ranked defense would have likely clinched the victory.

The Houston defense kept its end of the bargain. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye a total of 5 times, and Ja’Marcus Ingram snagged an interception, while Azeez Al-Shaair recorded a couple of fumble recoveries. They had a similar impact in the wildcard victory over the Steelers a week earlier.

However, on both occasions, Stroud’s performances stuck out like a sore thumb. According to ESPN Insights, Stroud became the first player to have 5 interceptions and 5 turnovers in a single postseason campaign.

Such a bad stretch is enough to shatter a player’s confidence. It won’t come as a surprise if the Texans rely more on Davis Mills, who went 3-0 during the regular season when Stroud was injured. However, Ryans still hasn’t given up on the 24-year-old just yet.

CJ [Stroud] is our guy. I believed that he could come back out in the second half and flip it. Believed that he can play better, and he did that in the second half. He did play better. We had some positive drives there in the second half. I believed he could do that, and he did that.

DeMeco Ryans said after the game

Troy Aikman calls for changes in Houston after abysmal quarterback play from CJ Stroud

Troy Aikman agreed to join the ranks in Miami to search for a new head coach, but on Sunday, the Cowboys legend was inside the ESPN booth beside Joe Buck, covering the Texans-Patriots game in Boston. The 3x Super Bowl winner didn’t like what he saw from Stroud.

DeMeco Ryans Still Has Blind Faith in CJ Stroud After One of the Worst Games of His Career Against Patriots
CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

Without mincing his words, Aikman suggested that Ryans and Houston general manager Nick Caserio must make changes in the coaching ranks ahead of the 2026 season to save Stroud from regressing further.

They replaced Bobby [Slowik] last year, after his two years as the offensive coordinator. C.J. [Stroud] has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years. He’s not been the same player. We’ve not seen the development from him. There’s a reason for that, and it has to be addressed.

Troy Aikman said (H/T: On3.com)

Stroud acknowledged that he made mistakes which cost the Texans a chance to compete in their first-ever AFC Championship game. However, before taking accountability, he thanked the almighty.

First, before I do anything, I want to give God the glory, my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I’m nothing. I just appreciate him giving me this opportunity, this platform to play this great game w/ this great organization. I think I’m a pretty self-confident person. When they started to pile up, I tried my best to stay locked in in the spirit and realizing I gotta be there for my teammates. They encouraged me a lot through it. I’m really appreciative of this team doing that cause they didn’t have to.

CJ Stroud said

Stroud finished with 42.6% pass completion, threw one touchdown, and 4 picks. In the regular season, he completed 64.5% of his passes for 3041 yards, 20 total touchdowns, and 8 picks. 2026 is a contract year, and the Texans must decide whether to pay Stroud or place a franchise tag on him. The offseason will be interesting.

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