Texans QB C.J. Stroud says Panthers QB Bryce Young isn’t playing bad

C.J. Stroud has done well to lead the Houston Texans to a 3-3 start, but the No. 2 overall pick has kept a side eye towards the quarterback who went ahead of him in the 2023 NFL draft.

Bryce Young has had difficulty helping the Carolina Panthers to their first win of the season, but Stroud doesn’t believe it involves poor play from its rookie signal caller.

“Honestly and personally, watching the film and watching every game of his, I don’t think in any way, aspect or form, he’s playing bad,” Stroud said. “That’s what people think if you’re not winning or you have a turnover here or there. Bryce is playing some really good football. I just don’t think people watch in depth — like if you’re a quarterback — you know. I think he’s playing really well.”

Young has completed 115-of-182 for 967 yards, six touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 78.7 passer rating. Opponents have dropped Young for 16 sacks on the year, tied with Kenny Pickett for the 11th-most in the NFL.

If there is any consolation, two of Young’s five losses have been one-score or less contests at home. It could be safe to say the right environment could help Young guide the Panthers to a much-needed first win.

Stroud regularly visits with Young, and sometimes the conversations have nothing to do with football.

Said Stroud: “We texted a couple of weeks ago — just checking in on each other and it was nothing about football. That’s not our relationship, but personally I think he’s playing well and I think he’ll continue to be great in this game because he has that swagger and mentality and that type of playing style.”

The Texans take on the Panthers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Bank of America Stadium.