Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Cameron Ward

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.

Sunday, August 10, 11:30 AM

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward looked good during his NFL preseason debut in a 29-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. Ward, the No. 1 overall pick from Miami, played the Titans' first two possessions and went 5-for-8 for 67 yards on 14 snaps. Ward missed on his first two passes before getting into a rhythm, and he formed a nice combination with No. 1 wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The pair connected three times for 50 yards. Ward also led a 65-yard touchdown drive before exiting. Head coach Brian Callahan was encouraged by Ward's performance, saying, "Cam played well in his two series that he got." Ward and the Titans will take on the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game on Friday.