Stroud Acknowledges Texans’ “Ugly” Win Against Raiders
The Houston Texans’ 23-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16 was anything but a showcase of offensive prowess. Despite securing their seventh consecutive win, the game was marked by several shortcomings on both sides of the ball. The Texans’ defense, which has been a stronghold throughout the season, faltered, allowing over 20 points for the second week in a row. Meanwhile, Houston’s offense struggled to keep pace, as they were ultimately outgained by the Raiders.
Stroud Reflects on the Performance
Following the game, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was candid about the team’s performance. While the victory was a welcome outcome, he didn’t shy away from admitting that the win was less than ideal.
“It was ugly, but you want to win in December, whatever it looks like, however it looks,” Stroud said. He expressed pride in his teammates for their ability to finish strong despite a rocky start in the first quarter. “It starts with me, missing some throws here and there, but I think all of these things can be fixed. Got to just keep rolling and keep continuing to get better,” he added.
Struggles on Offense
Stroud’s statistics reflected the challenges he faced during the game. He completed 22 of 35 passes for just 187 yards and one touchdown—his lowest yardage tally of the season, excluding a game cut short by a concussion against the Denver Broncos. When addressing the factors behind his underwhelming performance, Stroud pointed to timing issues.
“I rushed my timing,” he admitted regarding his missed throws against the Raiders. “I’m a confident person; I think I can put it anywhere. Some of them I should progress, shouldn’t just force the ball. But any throw that I make, I think I can make the throw. I just missed a couple, and that’s part of the game.”
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
With playoffs looming just two weeks away, Stroud remains optimistic about the offense’s ability to recalibrate. His perspective on the game serves as a reminder that even in victory, the road to improvement is a constant journey. The Texans will need to refine their execution if they hope to capitalize on their winning streak as they prepare for postseason play.
