Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Jaxson Dart

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, 4:38 PM

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart made his preseason debut Saturday and turned heads in a 34-25 win over the Buffalo Bills. Dart, not veteran backup Jameis Winston, entered the game after the Giants pulled starter Russell Wilson in the first quarter. The 25th overall pick from Ole Miss stayed in for the rest of the first half and hit on 12 of 19 pass attempts for 154 yards, including a beautifully thrown 28-yard touchdown to Lil'Jordan Humphrey. Dart also used his legs effectively, adding 24 rushing yards on three attempts. There was a lot to like about Dart's NFL debut, but if the Giants have their way, he'll spend the first year of his career learning from the bench before potentially assuming the starting role in 2026. He'll make his next preseason appearance on Saturday against the Jets.