NFL Insider Hints at Texans Drama, 'Some Things Going on Behind the Scenes'

NFL insider Dianna Russini said Friday she feels issues "behind the scenes" in Houston could be contributing to Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's struggles early in the 2025 season.

"I still C.J. Stroud can play. I just think there's still a lot of work to be done, and there's some things going on behind the scenes that I think we're going to find out about soon," Russini said Friday on the DraftKings Network.

The Texans are winless heading into Sunday's matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Stroud threw two interceptions last Sunday in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that dropped Houston's record to 0-3.

Houston committed two turnovers in the last four minutes of the game, with a fumble by wide receiver Nico Collins followed by Stroud getting picked off for the second time.

Through three games, Stroud has completed 64 percent of his passes for 599 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 81 yards on 13 carries.

Houston's entire offense has meanwhile struggled with both costly late-game mistakes and overall efficiency so far this season, ranking 32nd in third down conversion percentage while coming in 29th in total offensive yards per game.

The offensive line, staffed by four new starters, has struggled to protect Stroud so far this season. The unit putting up a total of just 38 points through three games has still raised questions about whether the quarterback, who is now in his third NFL season, will receive a contract extension when first eligible next spring.

Stroud already has a team option that could keep him under club control through 2027, per Spotrac, and he would be eligible for franchise tags through 2029. But Russini says she feels the quarterback still has a chance to earn a "mega-extension" if the Texans offense can turn things around.

"They are still trying to figure themselves out on offense. They have a new play-caller. They have a different-looking offensive line," Russini said. "I still think they're working some kinks out.

"So, he's still good. I'm not in the camp of, he's ruining his opportunity here to get some mega-extension."

Texans head coach Brian Callahan, who called plays for the first three games of the season, reacted to the unit's sluggish start by handing over play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree.

Hardegree previously spent nine games as interim offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, a stretch during which rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell led all rookies with 1,905 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, as noted by TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt.

The Texans will hope Hardegree is able to help Stroud take advantage of a matchup with the similarly-winless Titans and post his best outing of the season when Week 4 kicks off Sunday at NRG Stadium at 1 p.m. ET.