Jaguars HC offers potential explanation for CJ Stroud's slump ahead of Texans game

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Houston Texans this season is CJ Stroud's sophomore slump. As a rookie, the Ohio State product took the league by storm, which led the media to embrace him as the next best thing. However, he isn't doing nearly as well in Year 2 and is one of the reasons his team has lost four of their last six games. Heading into Week 13, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson shared one possible explanation for his regression.

Pederson met with the local media ahead of the Texans game and talked about the potential reasons behind Stroud's struggles, pointing out that progress isn't linear and defenses have done a better job of preparing for him.

"Listen, this league, this business, playing the quarterback position is hard, right?" Pederson said when asked about Stroud. "Playing any position is hard. And he's an exceptional quarterback, a good young quarterback in this league. He's an exciting player. I don't know everything that goes on down there. I'm sure there's, there's been injury. Guys have missed his playmakers from time to time. And then, there's the film out there. There's ways, what he's put on film, the explosive plays, things of that nature."

Pederson continued, "Defenses have time to scheme that right, to play defense against it. So it's just, it's the natural progression, and he's going to continue to make his plays and lead that football team and continue to be a great player. And he's just going to continue to get better each and every game, each and every season. But I think one thing, and I don't know, C.J. personally, other than just talking to him when we play, but he knows that he's a piece of that offense, right?"

"He's a piece of that team, and he's going to continue to improve and get better to help his team, help his team win just like Trevor is here, or Josh Allen is here. They're one piece to the big picture, to the whole pie."

Stroud threw for over 4,000 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions as a rookie, playing a massive role in the Texans' turnaround last year. But heading into the 2024 season, there were talks about the Rancho Cucamonga, California native potentially experiencing a slump. That's because opposing teams have now plenty of tape of him and have done a better job of defending him.

As a result, Stroud isn't playing nearly as well and the Texans have lost four of their last four games.

The Jaguars know firsthand what is like for a young QB to struggle

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-9 ahead of their rematch against the Houston Texans. While they're currently a 5-point underdog, their odds of winning could increase if Trevor Lawrence suits up.

Lawrence has been dealing with a shoulder sprain that's forced him to sit out two games. However, he's resumed practice and could play against the Texans. The Jaguars could certainly use him, as his absence exposed just how bad the offense is without him.

Granted, Lawrence has been far from perfect this season but he gives the Jaguars a better chance to win than backup Mac Jones. Like fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud, he's experienced ups and downs throughout his career, but that doesn't mean he isn't a viable starting quarterback.

Of course, the defense must also do its part if the Jaguars want to beat their divisional foe. It wouldn't matter if Lawrence and the offense play well if they give up over 50 points as they did against the Detroit Lions.

As Doug Pederson, there's a strong chance C.J. Stroud will bounce back. But for the time being, the Jacksonville Jaguars must take advantage of their regression while they can.

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