Ex-Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud Named NFL Offensive Rookie Of Month

C.J. Stroud proved to be the best rookie in the NFL through his first three games this season.

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has found his rhythm with the Houston Texans three games into his NFL career, and is now being honored for his efforts. 

Stroud was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Month after putting up impeccable numbers through September. He becomes the first Texans player to win the award since Deshaun Watson in 2017. 

Drafted No. 2 overall, Stroud was exceptional in Houston's Week 3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed three passes over 20 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown reception to fellow rookie receiver Tank Dell. 

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson (95) chases during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Stroud picked up the loss in the Week 2 home opener against the Indianapolis Colts, but he kept things interesting heading into the fourth quarter. The former Buckeyes star completed 30-of-47 passes (63.4 percent) for 348 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud also posted back-to-back outings with a passer rating over 103.5. 

Through three games, Stroud ranks fifth among quarterbacks in passing yards (906), passing yards per game (303.8) and 10th in passer rating (98.0). He's only one of three rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for 900 plus yards through his first three starts, joining Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (939) and 2015 MVP Cam Newton (1,102). 

Stroud's 121 pass attempts without an interception are the most ever for an NFL quarterback since the league merger in 1970. His 384-yard performance against the Colts ranks second all-time for the most passing yards by a quarterback age 21 or younger, trailing only Matthew Stafford (422) in 2009. 

"We drafted the right guy," tight end Brevin Jordan of Stroud following the 37-17 win over Jacksonville Sunday. "Man, he's a leader. He's a phenomenal player and a phenomenal guy with God-given talent. Dude, he's unbelievable."

A two-year starter in Columbus, Stroud threw for 8,123 and 85 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He posted a 22-4 record for the Buckeyes and was named a two-time Heisman finalist while guiding the program to a College Football Playoff berth in 2022.