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NFL legend Troy Aikman touched on the harsh reality the Houston Texans will have to face in the offseason following their brutal loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Aikman, who is a color commentator for ESPN, recapped CJ Stroud’s game against the Patriots and made it clear that the powers that be in the Texans organization will have to make some tough decisions this offseason.
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New England Patriots linebacker K’lavon Chaisson, right, hits Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
“DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have some tough decisions to make on this team on the offensive side of the ball,” Aikman said. “They replaced Bobby Slowick last year after his two years as offensive coordinator.
“CJ Stroud has been chasing his rookie success for the last two years. He hasn’t been the same player. We haven’t seen his development. There’s a reason for that, and it needs to be addressed.”
Stroud had four interceptions in a 28-16 loss to the Patriots. He was 20-for-47 with 212 passing yards and a touchdown pass. While the defense gave Houston plenty of turnovers to score points and make the game close, Stroud was never able to elevate the offense.
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ESPN commentator Troy Aikman walks on the field before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
The former Pro Bowler also struggled against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round, turning the ball over five times and throwing an interception in a 30-6 victory.
“Seven turnovers in the two playoff games,” Aikman added. “In the biggest games of the year, you can’t just beat that type of quarterback play.”
Ryans endorsed Stroud after the loss to New England.
“CJ is our guy,” Ryans said. “I thought I could come back in the second half and turn it around.”
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud speaks at a news conference after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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Stroud will enter an offseason with the possibility of earning a significant contract extension. He has 10,876 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns in 46 career games. They are 3-3 in playoff starts, but have never made it out of the divisional round.
