C.J. Stroud's preseason struggles say more about Pats defense

New England Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the first half. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud's struggles in preseason opener say more about Patriots defense

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 8/10/23

Instead of taking C.J. Stroud’s unimpressive first NFL appearance as a sign that the Houston Texans should panic, the actual takeaway from Thursday night was how good the Patriots defense looked.

Jalen Mills intercepted Stroud to end Houston's first series, and the defensive line continually harassed the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft during his two drives.

Jalen Mills intercepts CJ Stroud on the opening drive!

: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/n0mO9fFwYJ
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2023

Patriots really welcoming rookie CJ Stroud to the NFL even in pre season first 2 series interception and sacked
— Connie Carberg (@ConnieScouts) August 10, 2023

think CJ Stroud felt more pressure in his first two NFL preseason drives than in two years at Ohio State
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 10, 2023

Stroud finished the game 2-of-4 for 13 yards with an interception. He also lost 15 yards on one sack.

The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin pointed out how uncomfortable the Patriots defense made Stroud look.

CJ Stroud looks like a deer in headlights out there
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) August 10, 2023

ESPN’s Mina Kimes highlighted the discrepancy between the Texans offensive line and the Patriots defensive front.

So, Houston is missing both starting tackles, and NE's pass rush is one of the deepest in the league, but even so....
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 10, 2023

Stroud’s performance is a great sign for the Patriots defense. The unit made him look like a rookie. It did what a great defense should do.

Stroud’s struggles won’t make anyone in Houston feel great, particularly with the team owing Arizona its 2024 first-round pick. But Stroud isn’t the first rookie to underwhelm in his first preseason game, and he won’t be the last.

For those reasons, the performance was much more important for New England. In a division with Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa, the Patriots have their work cut out for them. A strong defense will be the team’s best chance of keeping pace.

And at least for the first game of the preseason, New England’s defense gave no reason to believe it can’t be elite.

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