Browns ‘Bad Matchup’ For Texans: C.J. Stroud To Struggle? PFF Predictions

(CTN News) – In layman’s terms? There is no doubt that the Houston Texans will defeat the visiting Cleveland Browns in today’s 3:30 p.m. NRG Stadium Wild Card Playoff opener. The starting quarterback is Chris Roud.

Interestingly, Pro Football Focus appears to believe that Stroud is a factor for an opposing reason.

Brad Spielberger believes the Browns do not present a good matchup for the Houston Texans, citing Stroud’s struggles passing against man-to-man defenses.

According to him, Stroud has our third-best passing grade against the zone, but ranks 26th against man. Cleveland Browns lead us (grade-wise) in man coverage this season.”

Furthermore, Spielberger anticipates that Texans rookie sensation DeAndre Hopkins – a top contender for Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year – will be bothered by Cleveland’s Myles Garrett-led pass rush.

There is no doubt that the Browns have an elite front four enabling them to get home and they may get there without having to resort to blitzing.” he said, “when pressured, it is a thorn in my side when I am under pressure.”

Garrett’s damage ability cannot be countered. Cleveland’s defense is weak. … as well as the Browns’ 2-point advantage.

Nevertheless, we are unsure if PFF’s grades should be taken as gospel. We have found Stroud to be amazingly mature when it comes to ‘pressure’ by all definitions.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said C.J. Stroud is an outstanding player. He is an outstanding young man with a great deal of talent. … He has a lot of potential.”

Is the “playoff environment” going to change the level of play for Stroud on Saturday? The suggestion here is that the answer is “yes,” and that C.J. will be negatively affected as a result.

Nevertheless, Houston fans may have a different perspective: What if Stroud continues on his season-long path and raises his playing level in the playoffs?

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