The Houston Texans lost to the Seattle Seahawks while struggling to move the ball throughout the game - and many had worries for CJ Stroud moving forward, with the Texans falling to 2-4
03:11 ET, 21 Oct 2025
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CJ Stroud was under constant pressure against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football
The Houston Texans looked like they might have had a chance to get back into the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, but it had been clear that they had been second-best in the game. The Seahawks defeated the Texans 27-19, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba having another dominant performance.
But it had been the Seahawks defense that had been the real difference in the game, putting Stroud in a tough position to succeed while highlighting Houston's biggest weakness - it's offensive line.
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The Texans had confused many when they chose to trade away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, taking their best blocker away from what was already a struggling offensive line.
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And so far through the first six games of the Texans, it has been an even bigger issue. Stroud is looking like he has severely regressed from his rookie year, despite having solid numbers.
While the Texans also lost receivers Tank Dell to a season-ending injury and Stefon Diggs in free agency, they have been reliant on Nico Collins.
But it has been the offensive line that has greatly hampered Stroud, with the quarterback being sacked three times, hit four further times and pressured on 23 different plays.
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Stroud was under pressure on 23 of his 47 passing attempts
On some snaps against the Seahawks, the play was over almost immediately after it had begun with Stroud under constant duress.
The Seahawks had blitzed Stroud often early in the game, while being the team that blitzes the least in the league this season.
Head coach Mike McDonald had realized early that Stroud and the Texans could not handle the blitz, with the Seahawks continuing to throw different looks at them.
While Stroud threw one touchdown and one interception in the game, he could have thrown four picks - two being dropped by Josh Jobe and one by Ty Okada.
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Byron Murphy and Ernest Jones had caused havoc in the Texans backfield
Stroud also looked to fumble for a touchdown, before the Texans were able to get the ball back on a second fumble on the same play.
The Texans now have a 2-4 record, while all indications from their recent games suggests they'll need to lean heavily on their defense throughout the rest of the year.
Houston will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week Eight, while the Seahawks will be on a bye week.
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