Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has made history with his outstanding performance during Sunday’s 37-17 upset of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stroud went 20-for-30 for 280 yards and two touchdowns, becoming 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 remarkable feat was confirmed by ESPN Stats & Information research.
Stroud’s teammates were not surprised by his exceptional production. Tight end Brevin Jordan, who caught a touchdown pass in the win, credited the Texans’ decision to draft Stroud to their victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the previous season. Jordan described it as a franchise-altering day and praised Stroud as a leader and an incredible player with exceptional talent.
The Texans’ victory over the Colts in Week 18 of the 2022 season moved them from the No. 1 overall pick slot in the 2023 draft to the No. 2 spot. The Chicago Bears secured the No. 1 pick and traded it to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for four draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. The Panthers ultimately chose to draft quarterback Bryce Young instead of Stroud.
In addition to his historic achievement, Stroud also joined an elite group of quarterbacks who have thrown for at least 900 yards in their first three starts. He joins Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert (931) and 2015 MVP Cam Newton (1,012) in this exclusive club.
Stroud humbly acknowledged the contribution of his teammates to his success, emphasizing the importance of their efforts on the offensive line, running precise routes, and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s play-calling.
The Week 3 performance followed Stroud’s impressive Week 2 showing against the Colts when he threw for 384 yards, the second-most by a player aged 21 or younger since the merger in 1970. Only Matthew Stafford’s 422 yards in 2009 surpassed Stroud’s performance. It was also the highest passing yardage total of any player in Week 2. Stroud’s performance in Week 2 also ranks as the second-most passing yards by a Texans rookie in franchise history, trailing only Deshaun Watson’s 402 yards in 2017.
DeMeco Ryans, who earned his first career win as a head coach on Sunday, expressed his belief in Stroud’s potential, stating that the sky is the limit for the young quarterback. Ryans praised Stroud’s humility, work ethic, and continuous improvement. He highlighted Stroud’s leadership within the offensive unit and commended his ability to lead the team.
In conclusion, C.J. Stroud’s historic performance as a rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans has captured the attention of the NFL. His exceptional statistics and leadership qualities have solidified his position as a rising star in the league. With his remarkable achievements and continuous improvement, Stroud’s future looks incredibly promising. The Houston Texans have undoubtedly found their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, and fans can look forward to witnessing his growth and success in the seasons to come.