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NFL legend Troy Aikman opened up about the harsh reality the Houston Texans will face this offseason following their brutal loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Aikman, who is a color commentator for ESPN, summarized CJ Stroud’s play against the Patriots and made it clear that the powers that be in the Texans organization will have to make some tough decisions this offseason.
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New England Patriots linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson hits Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud during the divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
“DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have some tough decisions to make regarding this team on the offensive side of the ball,” Aikman said. “They replaced Bobby Slowick last year after his two years as offensive coordinator.
“CJ Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for two years. He’s not the same player. We haven’t seen his evolution. There’s a reason for that, and it needs to be fixed.”
Stroud threw four interceptions in the 28-16 loss to the Patriots. He was 20 of 47 with 212 passing yards and a touchdown pass. While the defense gave Houston numerous chances to score points and make it a close game, Stroud was never able to elevate the offense.
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ESPN commentator Troy Aikman walks the field before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
The former Pro Bowler also struggled against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wild-card round, fumbling the ball five times and throwing an interception in a 30-6 victory.
“Seven turnovers in the two playoff games,” Aikman added. “Your most important games of the year, you can’t just get over that kind of quarterback play.”
Ryans supported Stroud after the loss to New England.
“CJ is our guy,” Ryans said. “I thought he could come back in the second half and turn things around.”
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud speaks during a news conference after the divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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Stroud will enter an offseason with the possibility of securing a major contract extension. He has 10,876 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns in 46 career games. He is 3-3 in playoff starts, but has never made it out of the divisional round.
