Kurt Warner, former NFL QB, perplexed by C.J. Stroud’s performance: “The last two years I feel like he’s really regressed”

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s stunning playoff collapse against the New England Patriots continues to spark discussions across the NFL, and now one of the game’s most respected quarterback minds is voicing serious concern.

Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner was brutally honest when discussing Stroud’s recent play, saying the Texans signal-caller no longer looks like the poised, instinctive quarterback who took the league by storm as a rookie. Speaking with Rich Eisen, Warner said the issues he’s seeing go beyond mechanics or scheme and instead point to troubling lapses in awareness and decision-making.

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of that this year,” Warner said. “We talked about it a little bit in the game we did a couple weeks ago, just the pressure situations and seeming not to be aware of what’s going on around him.”

Stroud’s struggles under pressure raising red flags

Warner focused on how Stroud has responded when defenses close in, noting a pattern of mistakes that compound rather than fade.

“I called the game on Monday night against the Steelers and broke it down on our show,” Warner explained. “Just how many times he made a bad play worse in that Pittsburgh game…”

Those same issues resurfaced on the biggest stage in the Divisional Round, when Stroud threw four first-half interceptions against New England, including a costly pick-six, in a performance that effectively ended Houston’s season. Warner pointed to situational awareness, rather than arm talent or footwork concerns.

“Those were the things that really left me shaking my head a lot with C.J. this year, just the times he didn’t seem aware of what was happening around him.”

The criticism stands in stark contrast to how Warner viewed Stroud just two seasons ago.

“When he was a rookie, I thought he played like a top-five quarterback in the league,” Warner said. “He was that good. I was so excited. I thought, ‘My gosh, this guy could be one of those special players.’”

“But in the last two years, I feel like he’s really regressed.”

Warner stopped short of placing blame on any single factor, suggesting the regression could stem from confidence, system changes, or how Stroud is processing the game.

“He’s got to figure out what’s different,” Warner said, adding that rediscovering the calm, decisive approach from his rookie season is key to Houston’s offensive future.

With back-to-back playoff exits and growing scrutiny around their quarterback, the Texans enter the offseason at a crossroads. Their defense remains championship-caliber, but as Warner’s comments highlight, sustained success will depend on whether Stroud can regain the composure and command that once made him one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.

Stroud is currently eligible for a massive contract extension, potentially worth north of $250 million, and Houston must soon decide whether to commit long-term or buy more time with his fifth-year option.

Related stories

NFL

Shocking stat that signals Stroud as Houston’s problem

Texans

Stroud’s playoff collapse forces uncomfortable questions

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.