Having made his first three career starts, Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has already etched his name in the NFL history books. In Sunday’s stunning upset against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Stroud delivered a remarkable performance, going 20-for-30 for 280 yards and two touchdowns. 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 initial three starts. The Texans’ tight end Brevin Jordan attributed the team’s decision to draft Stroud to a pivotal game against the Indianapolis Colts last year, which ultimately altered the franchise’s course.
Week 2 of the 2023 season showcased Stroud’s exceptional talents as he threw for 384 yards, marking the second-highest passing yardage in a game by a player aged 21 or younger since the 1970 merger. Only Matthew Stafford, with 422 yards in 2009, surpasses him in this category. Moreover, Stroud’s spectacular performance against the Colts earned him the distinction of recording the most passing yards by a Texans rookie in franchise history, falling shy of Deshaun Watson’s record of 402 yards in 2017.
C.J. Stroud’s accomplishments are not only remarkable for a rookie but also place him alongside some of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks. His total passing yardage of 900 yards in his first three starts places him in the esteemed company of Justin Herbert, who threw for 931 yards, and the 2015 MVP Cam Newton with 1,012 yards. Stroud’s ability to thrive in pressure situations and make accurate throws has undoubtedly impressed his teammates and coaches.
Stroud acknowledges that his success on the field is a result of a collective effort from his teammates, the offensive line, the receivers running precise routes, and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik making the right calls. The support system surrounding him has been instrumental in his outstanding performances thus far.
DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ head coach, commends Stroud’s work ethic and humility. Ryans believes that Stroud’s continuous improvement week after week is a testament to his dedication and drive. As the young quarterback adjusts to the NFL and gains more experience, his potential appears limitless. The Texans have indeed found a leader in Stroud, and his trajectory suggests that he is poised to achieve great things.
C.J. Stroud’s historic start to his NFL career is making waves across the league. His ability to break records, showcase poise, and lead the Houston Texans to victory has undoubtedly caught the attention of football enthusiasts. As Stroud continues to develop his skills and learn from each game, the future looks bright for both him and the Texans. With his God-given talent and the support of his teammates, Stroud has the potential to become an iconic figure in the world of professional football. The league awaits his further exploits and eagerly anticipates witnessing the rise of this young quarterback.
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