'Through Thick and Thin': C.J. Stroud Reveals What He Leans On After Playoff Loss

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is relying on his faith after Saturday's disappointing Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

If C.J. Stroud has demonstrated any trait during his rookie season, it's poise.

The moment never seemed too big for the young Houston Texans quarterback en route to a division title. The win-or-go-home game against the Indianapolis Colts? Poised. First playoff game against the Cleveland Browns? Even more so.

Now that his season is over following a 34-10 postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, it would be easy to sulk following a disappointing Divisional Round showing, but that's not Stroud's plan. 

Instead, he states that he will rely on his Christian faith this offseason as he looks to help his franchise take yet another step forward in 2024.

© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

"It’s what I lean on through thick and thin,” Stroud said postgame. "I know I’m upset right now, but I’m really just blessed looking back on this year, this opportunity we had today to play in front of millions of people."

Although the Texans offense did not find the end zone at all on Saturday (the lone touchdown came on a punt return), Stroud didn't play all that poorly in the loss. He went 19-of-33 through the air for 175 yards on the day, complete with no turnovers and no sacks.

The emotions of the postseason never seemed to get the better of Stroud, something that his head coach took note of after the game as well.

'Wasn’t Our Time': Texans Holding Heads High Amid Playoff Loss To Ravens

“Proud of him, proud of his resolve, his confidence, throughout the entire year,” DeMeco Ryans said. “He was the guy breaking our team down, he’s the leader of our team, and I’m so proud of him, proud of how he’s grown as a player and as a leader. It’s fun to watch. Really awesome young man, and the sky’s the limit for him and what he can do in his career.”

With that level of calm and the talent to go along with it, the Texans appear to have found their answer at quarterback for the foreseeable future, and his driving force on and off the field will continue to be his faith.