Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Caleb Williams

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, August 12, 2:31 PM

The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain writes that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has had good moments in training camp this summer, but it "hasn't been consistent enough," and the "accuracy hasn't been there like it was last summer." Fishbain lists Williams' stock as neutral right now after a sloppy practice on Monday. He also cautions that there's still almost a month until the season opener, and Williams has the right coach calling plays and an upgraded offensive line in front of him. "It hasn't been a smooth camp for the passing offense." It wasn't all terrible for the former first overall pick in his rookie season, as he threw for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns against only six interceptions. However, he was sacked a league-high 68 times and remains a work in progress going into his sophomore season. There's still plenty of upside, but he's best drafted as a high-end QB2 as he continues to devlop.