Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has been receiving a surprising amount of criticism recently, despite coming off the team's convincing win over the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Stroud has tossed only 2 TDs in his last 5 games, and already has more interceptions this year, than all of last season. Which is why many are claiming that a sophomore slump is afoot. But there are reasons to believe that's not exactly the case.

Stroud's decrease in touchdowns has a lot to do with Joe Mixon. Mixon already has 10 rushing TDs this season, in only 7 complete games. This Texans team is built more on defense and rushing the football. There's no need to keep throwing late in games when holding a lead with a quality defense.

The o-line can't be ignored

Houston's offensive line play has been an issue all season. Which is one of the reasons Stroud is the second-most sacked QB in 2024. Per PFF, the Texans have a 65.4 offensive line grade, which is 27th in the league.

With guard Kenyon Green out for the season nursing a shoulder injury, the Texans o-line appears to be improving. Stroud was only sacked once against the Cowboys.

Stroud has also been without Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, or Nico Collins at some point this season. There's no question missing Nico for 5 games has made an impact. CJ is missing more throws this year, to be fair, but his regression is overstated in my opinion.

Let's not forget, Stroud was on the injury report last week with an injury to his right hand. That could definitely contribute to off target passes.

Texans vs. Titans

This could be the week CJ Stroud and the receivers get going. The Titans are down their two top corners once again, which is why PFF loves Collins this week. Per PFF, Nico has the fourth-best matchup advantage against the Titans defense in Week 11.

Houston shouldn't have trouble scoring points, as the Titans have surrendered 23 or more points in four of their last 5 games.

If the Texans can keep defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons in check, like they did with Micah Parsons last week, Stroud should have enough time to make some big plays down the field.

Bulls on Parade

This is setting up to be an exciting week for the Texans pass rushers. Will Anderson participated in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so he should be back to help Danielle Hunter keep Will Levis and the Titans' passing game under wraps.

Not to mention, the Titans have taken 33 sacks this year, which is tied for the third-most in the league.

Corner Kamari Lassiter is also expected to return after missing last week with a concussion. Which should help the Texans keep receiver Calvin Ridley from wrecking the game. Lassiter along with Derek Stingley Jr. will present a big challenge for Levis and his receivers.

Low output

The Titans' offense has scored under 21 points in 9 of 10 games, so points should be hard to come by for Tennessee.

What does Vegas think?

The Texans are favored by 8 points at most sportsbooks. The total is set at 40.5.

Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap gets real about CJ Stroud, and previews this week's showdown with the Titans.