C.J. Stroud Proves NFL Standing In First Texans Win

You never know what you're going to get when you draft a quarterback in the first round, but the Houston Texans got themselves a good one in C.J. Stroud.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud showed glimpses of brilliance last week in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts, but he looked magnificent for a full four quarters against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Stroud completed 20 of his 30 pass attempts for 280 yards and two touchdowns, cementing himself as the right draft pick for general manager Nick Caserio and a top-15 quarterback in the NFL, making a seamless transition from college due in part to the similar preparation styles.

"Coming from Ohio State, it's a pressure element that's pushed on every week that either you can't lose, and if you're playing a less than team that people think are less than, you have to win by 70-plus points," Stroud said after Houston's 37-17 win. "The preparation that I put in college, I almost did the same thing as I've gone to the league, and every week, my routine is almost the same. I've tweaked things here and there, but everything has been like I did in college."

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Stroud's accuracy was his best trait coming out of Ohio State where his completion percentage, finishing with the second-highest completion percentage in school history of quarterbacks with at least 500 pass attempts.

He showed that trait in the first quarter, bombing a throw down the field to wide receiver Tank Dell for a gain of 46 yards. That set up running back Dameon Pierce's 1-yard touchdown plunge early on.

Stroud's second-best trait was the touch on his throws, and he checked that box in the third quarter. 

Dell leaked out and was wide open down the sideline. Stroud could have gotten too eager and air-mailed the throw, but he lofted it perfectly and dropped it in the bucket that Dell took the rest of the way for 68-yard touchdown pass.

His final quality trait was his poise and precision in the pocket, and he certainly showed that Sunday as well.

One of his more impressive throws came on his first touchdown pass because of the way he was able to stand in the face of pressure and deliver an accurate pass. Jacksonville brought pressure off both sides of the formation, Stroud remained unfazed, reset his feet and delivered a strike to Brevin Jordan for a 4-yard touchdown.

Through three games, Stroud has completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 906 yards — the third-highest through three games for a rookie in NFL history — four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Stroud continues to climb the passing ranks each week, giving Caserio peace of mind that he made the right draft pick and fans all the more belief that he will be the face of the franchise for the next 10-15 years.