CJ Stroud's sack rate has dropped from 8.9% last year (32nd) to 5.2% (10th). However the Texans pass block win rate fell from 58% (22nd) to 56% (30th). The lack of negative plays has contributed to his 0.164 EPA/play (9th), the best of his career. Stroud has not been sacked in his last 3 games. 2024 PBWR 2025 PBWR 2025 Passing (Sack Rate) 2024 Passing (Sack Rate) 2025 EPA/Play Leaders, min 300 Attempts
I don’t think these stats tell the story very well. At least the eye test says we have absolutely stunk when teams send more than 5 rushers after CJ. I wonder what the stats say? I still don’t understand why opposing defense aren’t sending the house on virtually every passing down. I can’t recall a single instance where we handled it. Maybe my eye test is way off on this.
My guess is it takes a lot of energy, and if the payoff is simply a throwaway/loss of down, it may not be worth it, especially considering the offense should theoretically handle it better the more it happens. This is why throwing the ball away to avoid a sack is effective - it might actually serve as a deterrent in addition to avoiding a negative play.
