Troy Aikman questions CJ Stroud, Texans after disastrous performance vs Patriots

C.J. Stroud struggled badly during the Houston Texans' 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman believes that could bring about a moment of reckoning for the Texans as they look to get over the hump with their 24-year-old old quarterback.

"DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio, they've got some tough decisions they've gotta make about this team on the offensive side of the ball," Aikman said, referencing Houston coach and general manager combination.

Aikman went onto detail the trouble the Texans have endured attempting to replicate the success Stroud enjoyed as a rookie. He noted the team tried to jumpstart the young signal-caller by parting with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik following the 2024 NFL season, but that still didn't help Stroud regain his rookie-season form.

"C.J. Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years," Aikman opined. "He's not been the same player. We've not seen the development from him. There's a reason for that, and it has to be addressed."

Troy Aikman: "C.J. Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years. He's not been the same player. We've not seen the development from him. There's a reason for that, and it has to be addressed." #NFL#NFLPlayoffspic.twitter.com/nmAgXfxItQ

- Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 18, 2026