Welcome to Houston, Texas; the third largest city in America. Home of chopped and screwed music; old school cars with big rims and tires. Candy apple paint dripping with glossy effects. But in H-Town, a lot to cheer about if you’re a Texans fan. Ladies and gentlemen, boys, and girls of all ages… You’ve got a franchise quarterback in rookie C.J. Stroud and there’s plenty to soak up.
Being in the Lonestar state, C.J. has already won fans over in what’s been a messy franchise upon the exile of former quarterback Deshaun Watson. Being drafted number three overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, a lot of scouts and draft experts questioned if he could finally break the mold of Ohio State University quarterbacks who haven’t been successful in the NFL. This was a knock on the program who’s produced great skilled players and quarterback is the least dominate.
C.J. Stroud has grown up before our very eyes in a short period of time. New head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was hired in the offseason knew he needed a franchise quarterback. Whoever was best available and high on the draft board, that was your guy. Both guys were going to change a messy culture and return the Texans back to the green pastures. C.J. knew in his heart this was time to change a narrative which daunts Ohio State quarterbacks.
As the season has progressed, C.J. has vastly improved each week. For a rookie quarterback, who’s in the shadows of his best friend Bryce Young, C.J. has proved to everyone why he’s a different Ohio State quarterback. After his rookie breaking performance against a very good Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, it’s visibly clear C.J. Stroud is making everyone eat their words. Like a smoked Texas style brisket, the media is sitting at the dinner table trying to digest the oversized portions.
Going throw for throw against Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, C.J. didn’t flinch and fold; he kept giving the Bucs defense a run for their money. The notion of “Ohio State quarterbacks can’t translate NFL success” is water under the bridge at this point. Finishing with 470 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. A quarterback rating (QBR) of 77.1 and a passer rating of 147.8! As the Texans trailed by four points with less than a minute to go, the confidence was in C.J.’s eyes. “Give me the ball. Call the plays. I’m going to make the plays.”
A young man whose confidence and poise are what you want in a franchise quarterback. Not giving up and leaving it on the field regardless of the outcome. The team rallied behind him and came away with a wild victory without their placekicker. All in a day’s work, C.J. is making a strong case for “Offensive Rookie of The Year.” At this pace, there’s no other offensive rookie who’s going to take it away. On the season, 2,270 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 1 interception. QBR of 62.3, which is 12th in the NFL. Pretty darn good for an “Ohio State University Quarterback.”
What’s been even more impressive: his ability not to overthink the previous throw or possession. Once the drive ends, he’s ready to go back and give it more control. Commanding the huddle, trusting his capabilities in mechanics and accuracy. When his teammates rally around him and believe, it’s contagious across the field. One area which needs improvement is the offensive line. He’s made the most with a fringe top ten offense: Damien Pierce, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Noah Brown, Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods, and John Metchie II.
As the final whistle sounds in NRG Stadium, Texans fans leave knowing their team is on the rise. The swagger is back in a team who’s found a new identity. Just like the battle red helmets worn on special occasions, the drip, chopped and screwed music plays on in Houston. As Houston rap icon Bun-B says: “keepin’ it trill.” Best believe C.J. Stroud will do the same as he’s accepted Houston’s culture and southern hospitality. Houston, you’ve taken off and launched into a new era. Just like the stars are at night, the future is very bright.
Stai tuned…
