What I like about the throw, it was just with a flick of the wrist. He has a stronger arm than some give him credit for. On the Woods throw, I like how he evaded pressure and threw on the run again, another thing he is better at than people give him credit for. Other than Bryce dodging 4 defenders in the backfield, there was no difference from the type of throws, stationary or on the move or the 'processing' reads. That's the thing though, this is not the type of offense where you will have hold the ball, dodge 3 defenders and throw a strike to Will Fuller. The scheme is going to have guys open. Also, Stroud is really good at the fake handoffs in play action under center. Under center wasn't a thing at the Ohio st so it shows Stroud is studious and not an airhead. Kind of important. Now on to the regular season where things are going to get real.
I just rewatched the Stroud throw to Nico a few times with the video in the game thread. Nico never really had separation. It's not clear to be that he ever slowed down. The only time he had any space was when he turned a bit to the sideline. That to me was a perfect throw. It's a throw that's dropped into the breadbasket on the sideline where only he can get it. His hands touched it. Just bad ball security/good hands from the defender to jar it.
https://x.com/aryepulli/status/1695957655909540246?s=46&t=J0JxURw-eBJcofK4L5bBAw this video very clearly shows Nico has 1-2 steps on his man and turns around to track while ball is in air and then slows down to catch it. The DB was beat and was able to catch up.
This video skips almost the entire route being run as it stays on the QB. Go watch the video in the game thread. The DB is caught up to Nico before the ball is ever thrown. He's right on him. But we're splitting hairs. Good throw, great throw, whatever.
There is the moment Stroud released the ball. The defender has already caught Nico and is on top of him. He gets a small separation a second or two later when he turns to the sideline.
Goodness gracious @cmoak1982 you are squeezing the fun out of the Texans section like the Hulk clenching a tube of Colgate White.
Nico didn't slow down as much as the DB closed the gap. Sorry man, you're reaching. That was a great throw. There's a difference in being objective and being overly critical. And although I agree we should temper expectations (see below) there's no reason we can't be optimistic when we see examples of his potential. Historically even elite QBs have rough rookie seasons so I've set the bar pretty low for this year. I don't expect a great year from Stroud but these flashes of ball placement and arm talent are encouraging.
Jesus. The DB has a magical gear that makes it look like Nico has slowed down. Nico clearly slowed down for the ball, he has 2 steps on the DB. I’m sorry but a DB isn’t making up that distance in that amount of time against a guy that runs a low 4.4. It was a good throw, 3-5 yds longer and it would have been house call. Elite
Then why in the world do you have man on man love for Will Levis? Is it the looks and not the play for him in particular?
Nobody "NEEDS" to do anything. Says who, you? Who are you to command people's involvement? What you haven't done, is prove what gets lost by someone overrating Stroud. People's hopes getting ruined, thats the big issue? Its generally discarding it away, and finding the next shiny toy. Its not that deep having hope of Stroud. Its oddly insufferable to NEVER give out anything above a 4/10 credit. Thats not a Texans player issue creating that restrictiveness
Getting excited about the progress our 2nd overall pick is making isn’t “slurping average play”. What a disingenuous way to phrase things. Every single person this board knows your opinion on Stroud. You have made it abundantly clear over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over again. For some reason you think this constantly pissing in everyone’s cheerios schtick is truth telling or something, but it’s frankly unnecessary and grating. You are becoming like Bobby and Jalen Green, and you’re a better poster than that. Just my 2 cents.
Nico did slow down a bit when he looked up to track the ball, true. Maybe that was enough for the DB to make up ground. I still wouldn't negatively call that underthrown. Another 5yds and I don't think Nico gets two hands on it, honestly. If you're saying that it wasn't a "perfect" throw then just say that. I'd agree it wasn't "perfect" but it was still a great toss.
Just like I don’t “NEED” to embellish a play to feel better about a player. You jackasses were blaming Nico and receivers immediately, hating on our number 1 WR so that your precious QB didn’t take any heat. It’s pathetic
This is fair. I’m honestly not knocking Stroud, just saying the throw wasn’t perfect like some are saying
