Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud created history during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His exceptional performance of going 20-for-30 for 280 yards and two touchdowns not only secured a 37-17 upset victory but also earned him a place in the NFL record books. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Stroud became the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve at least 900 passing yards, four pass touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his first three career starts. This impressive feat showcases the immense talent and potential he possesses as a young quarterback.
Stroud’s remarkable production on the field comes as no surprise to his teammates. Tight end Brevin Jordan, who also contributed with a touchdown catch in the game, emphasized the significance of the Texans’ decision to select Stroud in the draft. Jordan believes that the Texans’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the previous season was the turning point for the franchise. This pivotal moment influenced the Texans to draft Stroud, who has emerged as a leader on and off the field. Jordan describes Stroud as a phenomenal player with outstanding natural abilities, and his impact on the team has been nothing short of unbelievable.
In Week 18 of the 2022 season, the Houston Texans triumphed over the Indianapolis Colts with a close score of 32-31. This victory proved to be pivotal as it shifted the Texans’ draft position from the first overall pick to the second spot in the 2023 draft. The Chicago Bears secured the top pick and subsequently traded it to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for four draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. The Panthers decided to select quarterback Bryce Young instead of Stroud. While Young may have been the first quarterback off the board, Stroud has certainly demonstrated that he possesses the skills and potential of a top-tier quarterback.
When reflecting on Stroud’s performance, it is evident that he is in esteemed company. He became only the third quarterback in NFL history to surpass the milestone of 900 passing yards in his first three starts, joining impressive quarterbacks like Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers (931 yards) and former MVP Cam Newton (1,012 yards in 2015). This accomplishment solidifies Stroud’s early success and places him among the league’s brightest young talents.
Stroud humbly attributes his achievements to the collective effort of his teammates. He acknowledges the importance of the offensive line’s battle in the trenches, the receivers executing precise route running, and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s strategic play-calling. Stroud understands that success in football is a collaborative effort, and his recognition of the contributions of those around him demonstrates his humility and team-first mentality.
Stroud’s outstanding performance in Week 3 followed a historic Week 2 display against the Colts. In that game, he threw for a remarkable 384 yards, marking the second-highest passing yards by a player aged 21 or younger since the NFL merger in 1970. Only Matthew Stafford’s exceptional performance of 422 yards in 2009 surpassed Stroud’s achievement. Additionally, Stroud’s Week 2 performance stands as the highest passing yards recorded by any player in that week. Furthermore, Stroud’s passing yardage in Week 2 stands as the second-highest by a rookie quarterback in the franchise’s history, second only to Deshaun Watson’s 402-yard performance in 2017.
DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans’ head coach, expresses his confidence in Stroud’s potential, emphasizing that the sky is the limit for the young quarterback. Ryans commends Stroud’s work ethic, humility, and dedication to constant improvement. As the team’s leader on the field, Stroud’s continued growth and development each week have gained the admiration and respect of his coach and teammates alike. The future looks bright for Stroud as he continues to prove himself as a remarkable talent and an invaluable asset to the Houston Texans organization.