Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Shedeur Sanders

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.

Monday, August 11, 6:32 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders is listed as the QB4 on the team's second unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Veteran Joe Flacco is listed as the starter, with Kenny Pickett (hamstring) behind him and rookie Dillon Gabriel as the QB3. While Sanders was not perfect by any means in the preseason opener last Friday night against the Carolina Panthers, he did well for himself by going 14-for-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 rushing yards on four carries. The 23-year-old has gotten more opportunities in training camp with both Pickett and Gabriel missing time with hamstring injuries, but his strong performance over the weekend hasn't really moved the needle in terms of Sanders moving up the QB depth chart in Cleveland. He's going to need to show more.