I still believe C J is going to be our first Superbowl QB. But I do wish he'd use the Guardian Helmet. He seems to get concussions too easily and should use everything available to minimize the risk of additional injury.
I wish I had that much faith in him. I was so stoked when we drafted him, but I still can't get that picture out of my head of him moping on the sidelines during playoffs. Ugh. It was the opposite of what I want to see in a leader. I wish he'd wear that guardian helmet too, but somehow I doubt he ever will.
All QBs should use the guardian helmet, it's a strategic advantage. You increase the surface area of the helmet, which increases the likelihood of a Blow to the head penalty.
If they made it a requirement they would, because they wouldn't stand out as different. I think a lot of them think it makes them look more manly and tough without it. My guess is that it's a lot more about ego, and quarterbacks don't want to look wimpy, even if they could possibly reduce missing games from concussions by wearing one.
That's honestly such a stupid reason. Nobody says anything to Pitre with his...I felt he hits harder with it on (I'm just joking, but I sure it gave him peace of mind to go all out).
I agree, but you know quarterbacks probably have some of the biggest egos, and don't want to be portrayed as chicken little in a bubble helmet leading their team. The worst part of that is that they hurt their team more if they miss multiple games for concussions, and risk long term damage.
I think the team should take the choice away from the players if it's safer. Claim it's a workplace safety issue.
He's still so young. But he's on track if he can stay healthy enough. They've invested in protection , so I think he will respond positively. But I think waiting for an extension would be a mutually advantageous decision. He needs an uptick to get the reward which confirms our faith in his future. And we want him to EARN IT. To COMPETE. That is the Culture.
From weeks 4-18, Stroud finished 5th in EPA/Play & 11th in success rate which would have both easily been career highs. He’s in an offense that fits his play-style & I don’t think TDs or yardage totals are necessarily going to tell the whole story of him, Houston needs efficiency over volume stats with that defense.
That X user says “rushing ability” quite often. CJ is not and will never be a threat to run. He’s not an athlete. Extremely linear in his movement ability. Stop expecting him to be something he’s not. Take the free yards when they’re there. Roll outs to move the pocket are an option. But there is very little upside to any RPO type plays with him. Protect him, get the run game fixed and be a QB that doesn’t lose games
I agree specifically for CJ... I would not sign CJ to an extension withought having a stipulation that he wears it. He's at an elevated risk for more concussions, and each concussion will likely cost him multiple games.
Let's say CJ continues to show in 2026 that he's just a game manager QB and not a solid top 10 QB that "wins" games for his team. I think our championship window is such that we can't really pivot to a rookie QB, so we're stuck with CJ for 2026 (11.5m), 2027 (26m) and 2028 (~55m tag). Is it worth tagging him in 2028 and then drafting a rookie and starting over in 2029? Or do you overpay CJ with an extension and get stuck with a bad contract? Or do you trade him? If so, what can you hope to get? I don't think he's worth more than $40-45m per year, but I'm sure he'll be asking in the upper 50s. I'm just at a loss for what path is best. Obviously we're all hoping he can return to "year 1, top 10 superstar CJ" in 2026, but unfortunately the "game manager" outcome seems more likely.
I tend to agree, if he does well in 2026, maybe they tag him for 2027. I am not convinced this offensive scheme is the right "fit" for CJ, this offense needs a Sam Darnold type game manager who occasionally slings it. CJ did great in year one pushing the ball up field, but this run first offense needs someone who can check down and process information quickly and I can't tell if CJ is that guy and I love the kid but are we trying to put a round peg in a square hole? I just dont want the Texans to overpay and be stuck in QB hell
It's a roll of the dice, but trading him if he doesn't work out isn't a terrible option if you don't want to start over with another rookie. Half at the last 6 Superbowl winners (Tampa Bay, Seattle, Rams) didn't draft their quarterbacks.
After watching the playoffs, he's on track for what? He's going into year 4, usua;;;y teams know what they've got at QB by year 3. But I guess Hannah's hoping against hope the she and the fan council got the CJ pick right.
