'He is Awesome': Texans QB C.J. Stroud Brings New Challenge for Browns

The Browns dominated the Houston Texans during a Week 16 victory, but amid their rematch, the franchise understands that the addition of C.J. Stroud will bring a new dynamic.

HOUSTON — Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has only watched C.J. Stroud a handful of times since his college days at Ohio State. But despite the limited time spent evaluating the Houston Texans' rookie quarterback, Stroud has left a good impression on the former Super Bowl MVP winner. 

Flacco will have his first chance to watch Stroud in person on the sideline of NRG Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The game will mark the start of the Wild Card round of the 2023 playoffs.

As a starting quarterback, Flacco has possessed a 10-5 postseason record with seven road playoff victories, which ties Tom Brady for the most in league history.

"From afar, in terms of his decision-making, you can tell he can throw the ball," Flacco said. "It seems like he has a lot of arm talent. The most impressive part — he has been able to make good decisions all year. A lot of credit to him for sure." 

Texans' Quarterback C.J. Stroud attempts pass in win against the New Orleans Saints / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

When the Browns defeated the Texans 36-22 on Dec. 24, a concussion forced Stroud to miss the Week 16 contest. Houston struggled to move the ball in its first meeting, recording the second-fewest total yards on the season by finishing with 250.

The Browns dominated the Texans behind Flacco, who finished with 368 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win. But nearly three weeks since their first outing, Cleveland understands that the addition of Stroud will change the dynamic of the team they defeated on Christmas Eve.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said he watched Stroud's NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10. Despite Houston falling 25-9, Stefanski was left astonished.

"C.J. Stroud is a great player," Stefanski said. "He is awesome. He is a talented young man. Even in the game against Baltimore, there were some plays and throws that he made where you knew right away that this kid was really talented."

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Since making his debut against the Browns' division rival, Stroud has put together one of the most outstanding seasons by a rookie quarterback. He finished the regular season with the third-most passing yards for a first-year quarterback with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.9 percent of his passes. 

"We are going down there to play a very good Houston team," Stefanski said. "I know we recently played this team, but as you know, they are different. They are a very talented team. Very well coached. It will be a great challenge."