Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Matthew Golden

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.

Friday, July 25, 3:10 PM

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden was being used in multiple different fashions during the team's training camp practice on Friday, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today. Wood notes that Golden was "doing a lot of pre-snap motions" and broke a jet sweep for a gain of 20-plus yards along the left sideline. A first-round draft pick out of Texas, Golden was utilized exclusively as a receiver in college. However, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has shown a willingness to get the ball in the hands of wideouts like Jayden Reed and Christian Watson in unconventional manners in the past. It's a good sign for Golden that he appears to be a focus of the offense this early in camp. Green Bay has a deep receiver room, but there's opportunity for the rookie to emerge as the true go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love.