C.J. Stroud has already made Texans a playoff team — and a potentially tough out

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

C.J. Stroud has often said that he’s built for pressure. 

It’s a confidence born from the adversity he overcame in his childhood. From the expectations thrust on him as the starting quarterback at college football powerhouse Ohio State.

“You’re right under LeBron [James],” Stroud joked about his responsibilities as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback at his introductory press conference. “You’re the leader of the whole state.” 

And in his first NFL prime-time game, a de facto playoff game for the Texans against the division rival Colts, he proved it. Stroud rose to the occasion — as he’s done several times in his terrific rookie season. 

The No. 2 overall pick dazzled in the Texans’ 23-19 victory that came down to the wire Saturday, and sent Houston to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Stroud registered a 76.9% completion rate (20-of-26) for 264 yards and two touchdowns, a performance which likely secured his hold on AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He’s what makes the Texans so intriguing and dangerous in the postseason. 

Whomever Houston meets on Super Wild Card Weekend — its opponent won’t be decided until Sunday, while a Jaguars tie or loss to the Titans would give the Texans the AFC South crown — will have to reckon with a quarterback who’s already one of the NFL’s best. Such players give their teams a chance to win any game.

Stroud on Saturday became the fifth rookie quarterback in NFL history to reach 4,000 passing yards, joining Andrew Luck, Justin Herbert, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. 

“C.J. just being special in these big-time moments,” coach DeMeco Ryans said afterward. “When we need him most to step up and make plays, he’s done it time after time throughout the entire year. 

“It’s not surprising anyone. That is who he is. He’s one of the best passers in this league and he shows it consistently, game in and game out.” 

Stroud set the tone…

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Publish date : 2024-01-07 06:51:32

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