Will C.J. Stroud Follow Roethlisberger’s Path or Sanchez’s Fate?

The following question comes to mind – what happens when a young quarterback enters the NFL with success, but then meets a problem? C.J. Stroud faces this exact situation with the Houston Texans. If the team does not improve its 0-2 start, Stroud could become just the third quarterback to reach the playoffs in his first two full seasons, yet miss them in the third. Ben Roethlisberger but also Mark Sanchez did this before him. One path appears much better than the other for Stroud’s future.

I have seen many good starts end poorly. Stroud’s situation feels different, because he possesses that unusual mix of calm and arm skill which suggests a long term good player. After the Texans’ close 20 – 19 loss to the Buccaneers on Monday night, he moved to 21st in our daily NFL Quarterback Rankings. Let us examine what is going wrong, the historical comparisons, and if Houston can save this season.

The Texans’ Rocky 2025 Kickoff

Houston entered 2025 with sky-high expectations after back-to-back playoff appearances. They aimed to defend their AFC South crown and push deeper into January. But two weeks in, they’re 0-2, scraping the bottom of the division. The offense, once electric under Stroud, now ranks 32nd in points scored at just 14 per game, and their red zone touchdown rate sits at a dismal 0.0%.

That Week 2 heartbreaker against Tampa Bay highlighted the issues. Stroud threw for decent yards, but the team managed only 266 total offense while allowing the Bucs to rack up 360. Nick Chubb powered the run game with 103 yards and a score, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome defensive lapses and missed opportunities. If this continues, playoffs feel like a pipe dream—much like those early stumbles that derailed other promising QBs.

Stroud’s Slide in the Rankings

Dropping to 21st? That’s a gut punch for a guy who was top-10 material last year. At HeyTC, our rankings factor in everything from passer rating to playoff pedigree and even that intangible “aura.” Stroud’s current 26.9 rating puts him in the “Delulu” tier—solid but not elite yet. It’s a far cry from leaders like Patrick Mahomes, who tops the list with a 76.0 rating and “Aura” status.

I remember watching Stroud shred defenses as a rookie, but this dip raises questions. Is it rust from a short offseason, or something deeper like protection breakdowns? He’s taken six sacks already, hinting at line woes. For context, quarterbacks who slip this early often struggle to climb back without major adjustments.

HeyTC’s Latest NFL QB Rankings Table

This table underscores Stroud’s fall—surrounded by vets and underperformers.

Echoes from NFL History

History loves repeating itself in the NFL, especially with young guns. Only two quarterbacks have made the playoffs in their first two full starting seasons, then missed in the third: Ben Roethlisberger and Mark Sanchez. Stroud’s on the brink of becoming number three if Houston doesn’t rally.

It’s a quirky stat, but it packs insight. Roethlisberger bounced back to legend status, while Sanchez faded into backup obscurity. For Stroud, aligning with “Big Ben” means championships; Sanchez’s road? Not so much.

Ben Roethlisberger’s Early Triumphs and Stumble

Big Ben exploded as a rookie in 2004, going 13-0 in the regular season and dragging the Steelers to the playoffs. They fell short, but 2005 brought a Super Bowl ring. Then 2006 hit—a motorcycle crash, injuries, and a 8-8 record kept them out of January football.

What followed? Another ring in 2008 and a Hall of Fame career. Roethlisberger’s resilience turned that dip into fuel. I see parallels in Stroud’s toughness; both have that gunslinger mentality that thrives under pressure.

Mark Sanchez’s Flash and Fade

Sanchez, the “Sanchize,” led the Jets to AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010 as a rookie and sophomore. Playoff road wins galore, but 2011 brought regression—a 8-8 finish and no postseason.

From there, it was downhill: turnovers, the butt fumble, and journeyman status. Sanchez never recaptured that early magic, bouncing between teams. His story warns of hype without sustained growth.

Why the Roethlisberger Comparison Fits Stroud Better

For Stroud, I’d bet on the Roethlisberger trajectory every time. Both entered the league with strong arms and quick releases, plus teams built for contention. Sanchez relied more on defense; Stroud, like Ben, elevates his squad. Pro Football Reference shows Stroud’s career 94.2 passer rating edges Sanchez’s 73.2 early on.

Plus, Stroud’s already got four playoff games under his belt, mirroring Ben’s deep runs. It’s like comparing a sturdy oak to a flash-in-the-pan firework—Stroud’s built to last.

Breaking Down Stroud’s 2025 Stats

Two games in, Stroud’s numbers tell a tale of inefficiency. He’s completed 32 of 51 passes (62.7%) for 395 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. His 85.0 passer rating is middling, and those six sacks scream protection problems.

On the ground, he’s added 59 rushing yards on nine carries—showing mobility but also desperation. Compared to his 2024 breakout (over 4,000 yards, 23 TDs), this feels like a sophomore slump extended. But hey, it’s early; great QBs like Mahomes have shaken off worse.

Can Houston Flip the Script?

Absolutely, and it starts with the line. The Texans rank 28th in total yards, but talents like Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon wait to explode. Coach DeMeco Ryans needs to scheme better protections—maybe more quick releases or play-action.

Upcoming games against Jacksonville and Tennessee offer winnable spots. Win those, and they’re back in the mix. I’ve seen teams like the 2006 Steelers rebound; why not Houston?

Key Factors for Stroud’s Turnaround

First, health—Stroud’s avoided major knocks so far. Second, supporting cast: Diggs could be his Hines Ward. Third, mentality. Stroud’s work ethic reminds me of Ben’s; he studies film like a professor.

Stats back it: His 7.7 yards per attempt shows big-play potential. Tweak the turnovers and third-down conversions (Houston’s at 22.2%), and rankings climb fast.

Potential Outcomes for the Texans’ Season

Best case? They rattle off wins, sneak into playoffs as a wild card, and Stroud vaults back to top-10. Worst? Miss entirely, but use it as motivation like Roethlisberger did for 2007’s resurgence.

Either way, Stroud’s too talented for Sanchez-level decline. At HeyTC, we project him finishing around 15th if trends reverse.

FAQs

What is C.J. Stroud’s current NFL QB ranking?

As of September 16, 2025, Stroud ranks 21st in HeyTC’s daily NFL Quarterback Rankings, with a 26.9 rating after Houston’s 0-2 start.

How did Ben Roethlisberger recover from missing playoffs in 2006?

Roethlisberger used the setback to fuel a strong 2007, leading the Steelers back to playoffs and eventually another Super Bowl in 2008.

Why is Mark Sanchez’s career a cautionary tale for Stroud?

Sanchez’s early playoff success fizzled due to turnovers and inconsistency, leading to a backup role—something Stroud’s superior stats suggest he can avoid.

What are Stroud’s key stats in 2025 so far?

In two games, Stroud has 395 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, a 62.7% completion rate, and 59 rushing yards.

Can the Texans still make the 2025 playoffs?

Yes, with an 0-2 start, but they’ll need to win divisional games soon; historical teams have climbed back from similar holes.