C.J. Stroud Must BALL OUT to Open The SZN! + Tank Dell is Moving Like an Offensive X-Factor!

C.J. Stroud's fourth NFL season could define the future of the Houston Texans—and earning his place back among the NFL's elite quarterbacks starts immediately.   On today's Locked On Texans, I break down why Weeks 1 and 2 against the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are more than just early-season games. They're national showcase opportunities for Stroud to prove he belongs back in the top-10 quarterback conversation. If Houston starts 2-0 and Stroud outplays Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, the narrative surrounding both him and the Texans changes overnight. We also dive into the numbers that have to improve. Stroud has thrown just 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions against playoff teams over the past two seasons, and that's a trend Houston must reverse if it wants to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.   Plus:   Why Tank Dell could be the hidden key to unlocking Houston's offense. How Dell's versatility could give Nick Caley another dangerous weapon in the slot. Why Christian Kirk's departure from the slot creates a major opportunity. The surprising role rookie Marilin Klein could carve out sooner than expected. How Houston's defense is built to give Stroud every opportunity to win marquee matchups. The expectations have never been higher. The talent is there. Now it's time for C.J. Stroud to put the league on notice. 🎧 Locked On Texans delivers daily Houston Texans news, analysis, roster breakdowns, NFL insight, and everything you need to stay informed throughout the season. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Ultra Pouches Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad   Warby ParkerOur listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.