Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson Sr.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.

Saturday, August 9, 11:55 AM

Indianapolis Colts third-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson Sr. (finger) plans to practice on Saturday, Stephen Holder of ESPN reports. On Thursday, the Colts played the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener, and Richardson was sacked on a drop-back pass, subsequently leaving the game after dislocating his right pinkie on the hit. Still, following the Colts' scheduled day off Friday, Richardson is poised to practice Saturday, which is excellent news for Richardson as battles for the starting QB job in Indy with Daniel Jones. The 23-year-old has had his ups and downs in the NFL, but Richardson is trying to put the lows behind him and prove to the Colts that he is their guy under center for 2025 and the long haul. For the time being, Richardson remains a high-upside QB2 if he starts and is currently ranked as QB28, according to the NFFC, while his counterpart Jones is ranked as the QB31.