Week 2: CJ Stroud vs Anthony Richardson

Photo Credit: Stacy Revere

In a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup against two first-round picks and long-time friends since high school in quarterbacks CJ Stroud for the Houston Texans and Anthony Richardson for the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts will travel to Houston for an exciting showdown.

The Houston Texans are entering this game fresh off a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The second-overall pick in this year’s pass draft, CJ Stroud, had a rather quiet and efficient first game in the NFL where he completed twenty-eight of his forty-four pass attempts for 246 yards. The big issue on the day for the Texans was protecting the quarterback. CJ Stroud was sacked a total of five times and was hit five more times during the game.

Photo Credit: Brad Mills

The Indianapolis Colts head into week 2 after falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-21 in their week 1 matchup. The fifth-overall pick in the 2023 Draft Anthony Richardson had himself a decent afternoon at home in Indianapolis as he finished his day with two total touchdowns and one interception thrown.

Photo Credit: Tim Bath

Protecting STroud

The Houston Texans offensive line could go under significant changes due to a growing list, which notably impacts CJ Stroud. Throughout week 1 from the start of the game to the end of it, the Texans offensive line faced adversity with injuries to key players. Starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil who is dealing with a knee injury was sidelined during practice this week, along with right tackle George Fant is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Besides the injuries on the offensive line, CJ Stroud will look to be protected enough to get an opportunity to use second-round draft pick in the 2022 draft, wide receiver John Metchie the third is making his season and career debut after his year-long battle with leukemia. With help coming in the wideout position should help Stroud out with his key deep threat back.

Let Richardson air it out

Heading into the Week 2 game against the Texans, quarterback Anthony Richardson known for his strong arm, has yet to attempt a pass over the 20-yard mark. Allowing Richardson air out could boost confidence Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce who was drafted to be the deep threat was left quiet against Jacksonville as he had one reception for 5 yards on just three targets.

On the other side star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had eight catches for 97 yards with eleven targets, his longest gain was on a screen pass on second and 28th and he took 39 yards to the house to tie the game up early into the second half. The 21-year-old quarterback will look to attack in the passing game against the Texans defense held the Ravens to just 169 yards in the game. Which could present a challenge and opportunity for the quarterback to test his passing skills.

Game Prediction

Fans everywhere should expect a high-scoring game between the two young teams. Both teams are eager to get their first win of the season and both are going to battle it out to the final whistle with the Colts coming away with a 34-28 Victory over the Texans.