C.J. Stroud Notches First TDs, Leads All Passers in NFL's Week 2

In the NFL's Week 2 slate of games, ex-Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud shined brighter than most.

It used to be that NFL teams couldn't trust a rookie quarterback fresh out of the draft, especially early in a season. As a few others have done just recently, though, ex-Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud is breaking that mold. 

In the NFL's Week 2, Stroud had one of the best games of any gunslinger who took the field.

Although Stroud's Houston Texans fell to the Indianapolis Colts, 31-20, the former Ohio State signal-caller finished with 384 yards through the air. That was the most of any quarterback in the league this past weekend, and for good measure, he added two passing touchdowns, which were his first professional scores. 

Perhaps more importantly, though, Stroud managed to avoid throwing any picks, which are typically a hallmark of the inexperienced QB. That goes to show just how well-prepared the rookie is coming out of OSU. 

For the Buckeyes, who are experiencing a bit of a quarterback identity crisis right now, it may soothe their worries to know that Ohio State's new QB, Kyle McCord, is in the same system that helped mold Stroud.

The one thing that the former Heisman Trophy finalist hasn't quite secured yet is his first NFL win. Touchdowns and yards are nice, but victories are what set the truly great quarterbacks apart from the good ones. 

Stroud knows that, and he'll be willing this Texas team to their first triumph of 2023 soon enough. For now, though, he'll have to continue to make the right plays and rely on his teammates to do their jobs too. 

As for his alma mater, the Buckeyes get set to take on Notre Dame this weekend for a top-ten-ranked tussle in South Bend. Stroud knows what it's like to face off with the Fighting Irish, having hosted them in Columbus last season. And he knows what it's like to walk away with a Win. 

Head coach Ryan Day will have his guys geared up and ready to repeat that effort on Saturday when Ohio State enters Notre Dame Stadium with high hopes of remaining undefeated.