QB C.J. Stroud Has One Takeaway on Texans Upon Return From Concussion
While Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been forced to the side with his concussion for the past three weeks, he's been able to watch what exactly this team is made of on both sides of the ball en route to lifting above a .500 record for the first time this year.
In that time, while not part of the action on the field, Stroud was certainly able to take in some valuable intel as a spectator on the side, and the biggest of those takeaways might lean upon just how great this defensive unit is.
“I just see how great our defense is," Stroud said of what he's learned since he's be out. "If we can find a way to score in the red zone, find points, I think we can go as far as we want. We have a really really strong, talented defense, and it was really good to see, for me, from a bird's eye."
Texans' Defense Made a Statement for C.J. Stroud
It's no secret that the Texans have one of the best, well-rounded defenses in the NFL, and that's not new information for Stroud, who's been a part of some standout defensive performances earlier in the year prior to going down with his injury.
But by just being an observer, watching without stake as Houston's QB1 for those three weeks, and ultimately three wins on the board, provides a bit of added perspective on the talent the Texans have, both upfront in their run-stopping and pass rush, along with their secondary full of lockdowns and playmakers.
That defensive strength was put on full display during their latest showing on Thursday Night Football, as Houston took down the Buffalo Bills by throwing together an astounding eight sacks on reigning MVP Josh Allen and logging three takeaways on a Bills offense that's remained one of the league's most potent and explosive in recent years.
For Stroud, watching that defensive prowess unfold also helps bring a bit of added motivation; in games that this defense shows out in the way in which they have recently, it's on the offensive side of the ball to complement that by putting points on the board and working in the red zone.
"That's been the case, but it's a little different when you just get to sit there and watch," Stroud continued.
"Like, dang, other quarterbacks have got to deal with this. Like, when I get back, I've got to make sure I make plays, put these guys in a position to win, and reward them for stops and turnovers. So, I think that's huge.”
Stroud will have a golden opportunity to keep the momentum flowing for the Texans offensively in his first game back against the Indianapolis Colts in a matchup that'll be critical to take advantage of. But if this defense plays as well as it has all season, that makes the task a whole lot easier for this scoring unit.
New Orleans Saints Should Prioritize Cornerback Alontae Taylor's Extension in Free Agency
The New Orleans Saints are in the midst of a very important rebuild.
Their roster isn't up to par with the rest of the NFC, and it's left them at the bottom of the standings this year. They need to do everything in their power to build for the future, which begins in the offseason.
The NFL Draft is going to be the most important event of the offseason for the Saints, but free agency will seemingly be crucial, too. The Saints need to make some big decisions with their own free agents while also exploring other players to add to the roster.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently urged the Saints to re-sign cornerback Alontae Taylor in free agency this offseason.
Saints can't afford to lose Alontae Taylor in free agency
"At some point, Mickey Loomis' habit of kicking contract dollars down the road will catch up to the New Orleans Saints. Right now, New Orleans is projected to be $15.3 million over the 2026 salary cap," Knox wrote. "While Loomis will inevitably figure out how to create some wiggle room before the start of the new league year, he'd be wise to extend cornerback Alontae Taylor now.
"Taylor will only turn 27 next month, and he possesses the sort of inside-outside versatility that will make him attractive on the open market. And while some players might jump at the chance to leave New Orleans for a legitimate contender, Taylor has 'kept lines of communication open' with the Saints regarding his contract status, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler."
Taylor is a star in the making on the Saints defense. He hasn't reached his highest level of play yet, but the Saints need to make sure he's still on the team when he does.
It likely wouldn't break the bank to re-sign him, which is the main reason the Saints should be pursuing a new contract aggressively. Finding good cornerbacks is as difficult as any position in the sport, so the Saints need to retain their talented defensive back while they have the chance.
