Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Still One of NFL’s Best After Week 11 Struggles

Despite throwing three interceptions in the Houston Texans’ 21-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is still leading the way in several NFL categories.

The Houston Texans (6-4) probably feel fairly fortunate after quarterback C.J. Stroud had one of a few rookie games this past week in their 21-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals (2-9).

Winning is alway good, but three interceptions from the Texans quarterback after throwing just two the entire season before Week 11 was certainly a low point in the year for the NFL’s leading Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. 

In fact, Stroud’s performance has had some wondering if Houston’s star pupil could find himself in the NFL Most Valuable Player of the Year conversation at the end of the season.

Three turnovers in one game won’t help his case, but as long as he gets back to leading Houston the way he was before this dip in production, it shouldn’t hurt all that much either.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Even after that his Week 11 performance Stroud still leads all NFL quarterbacks in yards passing per game with 296.2 compared to second place Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins who is averaging 293.4.

Strouds interceptions are the talk of the town right now, but his 17 touchdown passes are top 10 in the league while his five giveaways are tied with guys like Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, both of whom are playing with much fuller weapons cabinets for the time being.

And then there’s Stroud’s full-season quarterback rating of 99.3 which ranks seventh in the NFL among established and current starters.

Nobody expected much of the Texans entering the season, and likewise they didn’t think Stroud would make much noise as the second quarterback drafted in April.

But his play has been as loud as his persona is reserved, and his determination to succeed has infected Houston’s roster quickly, leading the team to a 6-4 record through 11 weeks. 

Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans Defends Stroud After Three-Interception Game

Without a doubt Stroud has already proven to be one of the most valuable rookies in franchise history, one of the best first-year quarterbacks in league history, and if he gets back on track starting against the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) this weekend he may prove to be the most valuable player in the NFL this season.