“I Wasn’t Too Startled” QB C.J. Stroud of the Texans looks back on his stellar rookie season and says he wasn’t shocked by his “stellar performance.”
It comes as no surprise to the quarterback for the Houston Texans that his team is among the greatest in NFL history. “No, it wasn’t,” Stroud responded to a question about if his rapid success surprised him from NFL.com at Saturday’s Pro Bowl practice.
He wasn’t shocked to be selected second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he did take the league by storm.
With the NFL’s highest passing average of 273.9 yards per game, Stroud became the first rookie quarterback to catch a touchdown (with at least ten starts) since Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in 2016.
With just five interceptions during the season, he finished with 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. A league-high 1.0 percent of interceptions are made up of these interceptions.
As a rookie, his throwing yards are the third highest in NFL history, and at 22:5, he is the youngest player to lead the league in touchdowns to interceptions.
After becoming the fifth rookie to throw for 4,000 yards, Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator, tapped Stroud right away.
Even though the head coaching change has received a lot of attention, Slowik returns to Houston, which is encouraging for Stroud to carry on his illustrious career. “Yes, I’m thrilled,”
“Another year under a capable mentor,”
About Slowik’s comeback, Stroud remarked.
We click so well together, “I’m so happy,”
On the team’s accomplishments, Stroud stated, Excitement abounds as Stroud speaks about building on the team’s accomplishments.
“We will likely add some pieces that we need, and we have a lot of good pieces coming back.” Many moving pieces, but it ought to be enjoyable.
By the end of the Pro Bowl, the excitement surrounding C.J. Stroud’s second season with the Houston Texans had surpassed even pre-existing heights.
In the Pro Bowl games, Stroud—the first rookie quarterback to play in the game since Mac Jones—made headlines as the AFC’s top passer in a 64-59 loss to the NFC team.
With four seconds left, Bears CB Jaylon Johnson broke off a pass to stop Stroud and the offense on 4th and goal from the 3-yard line.
As the AFC defeated the Dolphins 50-34 in the flag football game on Sunday at Camping World Stadium, Stroud—who is the clear favorite to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year—was undoubtedly the most spectacular player.
A game-high 173 yards and two touchdowns were gained by him through the air, including a spectacular off-balance touchdown ball to Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase in the second quarter.
One of the best passes in recent Pro Bowl history was made by Stroud.
The rookie from Texas found Chargers All-Pro receiver Keenan Allen on a fourth-and-goal play in the second quarter. Allen stood behind of the line of scrimmage and waited for Evan Engram to break free in the back corner of the end zone, scoring a goal.
Allen had four tackles (three catches, one pass), one of which came from Stroud, by the end of the game. Stroud remarked, “It was amazing to be around such great players.”
Leading Houston to seven victories, Stroud also garnered media attention on Thursday night for his performance in the Precision Passing Skills Challenge.
To get to the finals, Stroud overcame Minshew and Tagovailoa. He competed for the title there against Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers. Prior to Stroud’s last pass, a 50-yard touchdown pass good for 10 points, Mayfield was ahead 9–8.
“I have a great deal of respect for Bake; I’ve followed him since college, but I have to take the lead because this is junior league,”
Before the decisive match, Stroud stated.
During the commercial break, Anderson—who established the new sack record for the Texans—participated in sideline drills as well. Tunsil and Anderson took part in the challenge as well.
The 22-year-old has performed in the part before. Stroud filled in for him. At specific moments during the quarterbacking game, this may serve as a deterrent against poor passes.
With a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 and a defeat to the Cleveland Browns in the wild card game, Stroud has demonstrated in recent weeks that he is not scared to toss the ball whenever it is necessary.
Kelly, though, claimed that his abilities on the court have carried over into his fourth game. To be honest, Kelly replied, “I think it comes from playing basketball.” This year, Stroud’s pregame warm-up regimen has been noticeable. Nico Collins’ 75-yard touchdown run during the first drive against the Colts comes to mind.
Kelly stated that he had 4,108 carries in 2023. The Texans won the game for the first time since 2019 because to him, who finished second in yards per attempt average (8.7 yards) and had 23 yards and 23 touchdowns. Their maiden title in the AFC South.
Because of his upbringing by his family and the resources available to him, he is “built for that.”
stated Kelly. Having watched game film, Kelly, who has been with Stroud the entire season, gave guidance.
Kelly claimed that from the beginning of the season, there has been a significant shift in the repeatability and consistency of fourth down plays.
Stroud started his first game as a professional in the season opener against the Texans in Baltimore, losing 24–9.
Stroud reportedly scored poorly on the S2 psychological test during the pre-draft phase. “He turns the tape around,” Kelly remarked.
One day in high school, C.J. Stroud had no receivers with whom to throw. The quarterback for the future Houston Texans headed to a field by himself.
In his mind, visions of his teammates who were unable to accompany him took their place. The ghosts followed made-up paths. Next, Stroud hurled the ball towards the vacant areas. Running to the ball, Stroud grabbed it up and did it again.
“How many people would do that in the world today?”
Private quarterback coach John Beck, who has coached Stroud, revealed.
“Something opens up in Stroud because of the competitive nature on the field.”
stated Beck.
The coach, who has managed the progress of quarterbacks like Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, expressed his belief that Stroud will give it his all in his role as an Ohio State coach.
“He fulfilled his responsibilities when you needed him to,”
stated Beck.
“Someone is afraid, or somewhat afraid,”
stated Kelly.
Between his freshman year and his tenure as a Buckeye, Stroud played a lot of football. However, Kelly connected the significance of Stroud to random gym 3-on-3 play.
He merely plays. He knows exactly who he is and exudes confidence in his identity.
stated Kelly.
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