This weekend, C.J. Stroud became the second rookie quarterback in franchise history to start an opener and first since David Carr in Houston’s first game in 2002. Carr was sacked six times in the Texans’ inaugural contest, setting the tone for a season where the No. 1 overall pick was taken down an NFL-record 76 times. Stroud, the second pick in this year’s draft, was sacked five times Sunday behind a makeshift offensive line as the Texans fell to the Ravens 25-9.
These weekend it is Jackson's opponent trying to manage his excitement and anxiety when rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud starts for the Houston Texans at Baltimore on Sunday. The Texans drafted the Ohio State star at No. overall this year, and he joins a team that is trying for a fresh start after going 3-13-1 last season.
EXPECTATIONS: After three seasons as one of the league’s worst teams, things should start looking up for the Texans this year. A big reason to believe Houston will be improved this season is the addition of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was the second overall pick in this year’s draft. The Texans also beefed up their defense by trading up to nab Will Anderson Jr., a defensive end from Alabama with the third pick in the draft.