Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud candidly reflected on his performance against the Baltimore Ravens, labeling it as one of the worst of his career. He expressed disappointment in not leading his team effectively, and while discussing the differences between his rookie and sophomore seasons, he admitted to being 'a little banged up' but quickly dismissed that as an excuse, emphasizing his struggles in making plays.

Despite not appearing on the injury report, Stroud has faced significant physical challenges this season, having been knocked down 51 times, ranking sixth in the NFL. His performance against the Ravens highlighted these struggles, as he was hit hard during the game, leading to moments where he was forced to leave the field. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans did not comment on any potential injuries, leaving fans to speculate whether Stroud's physical state contributed to his declining performance.

Stroud's statistics this season show a marked decline from his impressive rookie year. He passed for 4,108 yards and achieved a passer rating of 100.8 as a rookie, but has since dropped to 3,677 yards and an 86 passer rating in his second year. Comparisons with other quarterbacks who won the NFL offensive rookie of the year reveal that Stroud's situation is not unique; many quarterbacks experience a drop in performance during their sophomore seasons.

However, Stroud remains optimistic about his future, insisting that he will learn from this challenging season. With the playoffs approaching, he recognizes the need for improvement and is determined to rise to the occasion. His attitude reflects a broader understanding that setbacks are part of the game, and he is focused on using this experience to better himself and his team moving forward.