'Really Impressed!' Ravens Coach Mike Macdonald Holds 'Respect' For Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald praised Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's progression this week.

The Baltimore Ravens are entering the Divisional Round of the playoffs with a top-tier quarterback on their side, but they will also have one on the opposing sideline in the form of the Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud.

Stroud has put together a phenomenal rookie season in Houston, holding a real shot at winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is familiar with Stroud dating back to his college days, and he has been very impressed with his progression this season.

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The Ravens and Texans squared off in Week 1 of this campaign, and Stroud turned Macdonald's head even then.

"Well, we were really impressed the first game, too," Macdonald said on Wednesday. "We knew going into the game that ... If you remember me talking about it back then – we didn't feel like you were going against a rookie at that point. So, you're just seeing the natural progression over the course of the season just being more comfortable in the system. 

"You can tell the system's growing around [C.J. Stroud], and they've evolved as we have as well. I think that's what you're seeing, but [I] definitely have a lot of respect for what they're doing and how he operates."

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In the regular season, Stroud threw for over 4,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, and he kept that momentum going in the Wild Card round against the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 274 yards and three scores.

The Ravens will work to contain Stroud & Co. on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Baltimore on ESPN and ABC.