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.

Tuesday, July 15, 1:46 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said he expects quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (shoulder) back "at some point" during training camp this summer, and "when he does come back, we'll ease him into throwing and then we'll go from there." Richardson did not require another surgery on his troublesome right shoulder, but he will enter training camp behind Daniel Jones for the open competition under center in 2025. Richardson and Jones were set to split reps evenly during OTAs and minicamp, but Richardson's shoulder injury caused him to miss all of minicamp. "It's really going to come down to who's the most consistent," Steichen said. First and foremost, Richardson is going to need to prove he can stay healthy. The former first-rounder has elite rushing upside, but his health and accuracy are major questions, and he still might need to outplay Jones to win the starting gig back.