ESPN's Benjamin Solak on Why He's Still All In on C.J. Stroud & the Texans

ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak joins Houston Stressans to discuss why he's still one of the biggest believers in the Houston Texans heading into the 2026 season. We discuss C.J. Stroud's development, why the public perception surrounding him may be lower than it should be, and what realistic expectations should be for the Texans quarterback moving forward. Solak also breaks down Nick Caley entering Year 2 as offensive coordinator, Houston's rebuilt offensive line, the importance of establishing a consistent run game, the potential impact of the tight end room, and why he believes the offense is positioned to take a step forward. On the defensive side, we discuss DeMeco Ryans, Houston's defensive identity, and why Solak remains extremely high on the Texans defense entering the season. To close the show, Benjamin shares his expectations for the Texans in 2026, why Houston was his Super Bowl pick last year, and why he still believes they have what it takes to contend for a championship. Topics include: • C.J. Stroud expectations and outlook • Texans contract extension discussion • Nick Caley's offense in Year 2 • The rebuilt offensive line • The importance of the run game • Houston's tight end room • DeMeco Ryans and the defense • AFC South outlook • Texans playoff and Super Bowl expectations • And much more 📲 Follow Houston Stressans: 🌐 [www.houstonstressans.com](http://www.houstonstressans.com) 🐦 X: @TexansCommenter 📸 Instagram: @HoustonStressans 🎵 TikTok: @TexansCommenter 📘 Facebook: Houston Stressans 🎙️ Listen to Second Guessan with Stressan on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🛒 Shop Houston Stressans Merch: [www.houstonstressans.com/store](http://www.houstonstressans.com/store) #HoustonTexans #Texans #CJStroud #BenjaminSolak #ESPN #DeMecoRyans #NickCaley #NFL #HoustonStressans #TexansCommenter #NFLPodcast WE BLESSAN 🙏 🟣 WEBSITE & COMMUNITY Join the site for articles, forums, live breakdowns, merch drops, and more: https://www.houstonstressans.com/ 📩 Newsletter (Free & Paid Options) https://www.houstonstressans.com/subs... 👕 MERCH https://www.houstonstressans.com/cate... 🎙 PODCAST — Second Guessan with Stressan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Xiyll4... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 FOLLOW & SUPPORT X, TikTok: @TexansCommenter Instagram, Facebook: @HoustonStressans Facebook:   / houstonstressans   YouTube:    / @texanscommenter   #HoustonTexans #WeAreTexans #HTownMade