Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or Spencer Rattler

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, 6:49 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed seven of his 11 passes for 53 yards and added three rushes for 22 yards and a lost fumble in a 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in preseason action on Sunday. Rattler, who has been battling with Tyler Shough and Jake Haener throughout training camp, got the start in the game and played into the second quarter. He had trouble moving the ball as he was unable to lead the Saints to any scoring drives in the contest. Shough, on the other hand, mostly played well and may have closed the gap between the two players as they both are vying to be under center when the regular season opens in Week 1. Rattler will look to bounce back in the Saints' next preseason game, which will come on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.