Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud 'Humbled' By Record-Setting Performance
HOUSTON — Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud is having a historic start to his career. During Sunday's 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroud set a rookie record for most passing yards in a game.
He finished with 470 yards while completing 30-of-42 attempts. He also threw five touchdowns without committing an interception.
With 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Stroud led the Texans on a 75-yard drive that ended with a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tank Dell.
"It's a blessing — just humbled me," Stroud said. "I put in a lot of work throughout the week, and the guys know that...I'm really blessed to break the record, and I'm really blessed to get the win."
![Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium.](https://www.si.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_xy_center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620%2Cx_1838%2Cy_492/MjAyMDI1OTEzMDcwOTIxMjIz/usatsi_21827614.jpg)
Stroud's performance against the Buccaneers was the latest example of how the former Ohio State prospect has put together one of the greatest starts in league history.
During a Week 5 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 8, Stroud became the NFL's all-time leader for most attempts to begin an NFL career without an interception with 186 passes thrown. A record Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott had held since 2016 (176). A few weeks later, The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Stroud's game ball.
Each performance Stroud has given eight games into his career is a testament of how he has applied each lesson learned since the early days of rookie mini-camp in May.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on C.J. Stroud’s performance. pic.twitter.com/OCd8F4dga0
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) November 5, 2023
Stroud is on an early trajectory that could end with him receiving a permanent spot among the game's greatest players.
Due to Stroud's play, the Texans are entering their Week 10 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals with a 4-4 record. So far this season, Stroud has completed 62.0 percent of his passes for 2,270 yards and 14 touchdowns.
"That's something in this league I'm learning – you've got to be great in two-minute," Stroud said. "For me, I just want the ball. Just give me the ball, call the play, and I'm going to go make a play. I'm happy with the win."