Ex-Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Notches Historic Numbers In Week 3

Former Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud grabbed his first professional win and increased his passing total to 906 yards in just his first three NFL games, third most ever by a QB in that span.

We're only three games into the NFL season, former Ohio State quarterback and current Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud is already making a huge impact. Stroud led his Texans to an upset victory in Week 3, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns on the way to rolling over the Jacksonville Jaguars, 37-17.

The win over the Jags marked the first W of Stroud's young professional career, and the future of that career looks incredibly bright. In his first three NFL games, the ex-Buckeye has already thrown for 906 yards, third most by any quarterback in league history. 

That's more than Patrick Mahomes, more than Peyton Manning, even more than Tom Brady. It's way, way too early to project the kind of pro he'll turn out to be, but at the moment, it looks like Houston certainly made the right pick.

CJ Stroud went absolutely CRAZY in today’s game against the Jaguars:

• 20/30 (67%)
• 280 passing yards
• 2 passing TD’s
• 118.8 passer rating
• 37-17 upset win

Stroud now has 906 passing yards through his first three games, third most in HISTORY for a QB through first… pic.twitter.com/B8FGyRpASV

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 24, 2023

(via NFL Rookie Watch on X)

Stroud also finished with a 118.8 passer rating, completing 67 percent of his throws on the afternoon. After starting 0-2, it's good to see Stroud put one in the win column and get that weight off his shoulder, but if he was feeling any pressure, he sure hasn't shown it. 

Entering Week 3, the rookie gunslinger was fifth in pass yardage league-wide and could move up in those rankings after this weekend's slate of games is complete.

Perhaps Stroud was inspired watching his alma mater defeat Notre Dame in dramatic fashion the night before, because this past Sunday stamped his best performance yet. 

It seems his game-management skills improve every week and he's maturing as fast as any young field general in the league. These are the kinds of outings that may have him in Rookie of the Year talks come winter. 

As stunning as the yards and touchdowns are, it's the huddle caller's ball security and ability to win that are truly impressive. Although only in his first year, Stroud is careful with his decisions, having not thrown an interception yet. That kind of reliability can be a huge make-or-break for teams in tight games, especially teams that are as undermanned as Houston. 

Next Sunday, the Texans will host the Pittsburgh Steelers with a chance to even out their record to 2-2. 

For Stroud, it'll be his biggest game yet, as he'll be seeking to cross the 1000-yard mark and put his team squarely on track to finish with a winning record.