The Houston Texans have not secured a win in their first four games of the season. Despite this, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky doesn’t see the quarterback as the source of the problem. Orlovsky believes C.J. Stroud has performed well enough to merit a significant contract similar to those given to top NFL quarterbacks.

“C.J. Stroud has no business being 0-4,” Orlovsky stated on ESPN’s “NFL Live.” The Texans’ latest defeat, a 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, saw Stroud continue his strong individual performances. The 24-year-old completed 21 out of 31 passes, amassing 347 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Stroud’s early-season performance has been noteworthy, even amid Houston’s difficulties. Over four games, he has thrown for 1,141 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions, carrying a 95.9 passer rating. Orlovsky’s assessment suggests Stroud’s play warrants evaluation beyond the team’s record.

“It’s an interesting situation because, traditionally, a quarterback with a 0-4 start doesn’t get the big contracts. But looking at his play, the $50 to $55 million he’s asking for seems justified,” Orlovsky observed.

This presents a complex scenario for Houston. Quarterbacks often receive judgment based on wins, especially when discussing large contract extensions. However, Stroud’s case illustrates that wins and losses don’t always tell the whole story.

This season, Houston has scored at least 30 points twice, but both games ended in losses. The Texans initially lost 36-31 to the Buffalo Bills and then 34-30 against Dallas. The defense allowed 24 points in the second half against the Cowboys, followed by a 74-yard game-winning drive.

In the game against Dallas, Stroud showed promise, but Dallas capitalized in the final moments. Orlovsky believes Stroud’s recent performances mirror those from when he first became known as a promising young quarterback during his rookie season.

“His play this season resembles his rookie year, highlighting keeper plays, using seams in the red zone, and broken plays he extends with his legs,” Orlovsky said.

Stroud’s rookie year was impressive. As the former No. 2 overall pick, he threw for 4,108 yards, scored 23 touchdowns, and made just five interceptions in 2023. Houston then claimed an AFC South championship, and Stroud earned the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year title.

The next two seasons weren’t as remarkable. In 2024, Stroud threw for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, followed by 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2025. Now, four games into 2026, Stroud shows the efficiency that marked his rookie season. He has not thrown an interception in 151 attempts, and his 7.6 yards per attempt is his highest since his rookie year when he averaged 8.2 yards.

The issue lies in the Texans’ poor record. Orlovsky pointed to the defense as a significant difference. Houston allowed only one team to score 30 or more points during the 2025 regular season, a feat twice allowed in four games this year.

Stroud is not flawless, nor is the Texans’ offense without room for growth. In week two, Houston only managed six points against Cincinnati and 17 against Indianapolis the following week. However, focusing solely on the 0-4 record ignores Stroud’s excellent individual play.

This distinction might grow important as discussions about his long-term role progress. Houston will need to evaluate Stroud’s value and his capability to lead the franchise into the postseason. If Orlovsky’s assessment holds, Houston’s concern may lie with the rest of the team’s performance, ensuring they capitalize on Stroud’s efforts.