The Houston Texans have been one of the NFL’s better up-and-coming stories this season. That’s in large part thanks to the efforts of promising rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has elevated a Houston team many thought would struggle to compete in a rebuilding season.
Entering Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, the efficient Stroud had the opportunity to make some eye-opening history. To date, through four games, Stroud hadn’t thrown an intersection in 151 passes. Provided he’d get 26 more completions without a pick, he’d officially break Dak Prescott’s rookie record to start a career.
Of course Stroud reached the necessary 177 passes early in the third quarter. That’s just what special signal-callers do.
C.J. Stroud now has 177 passes to start his career without throwing an interception – a new NFL record.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 8, 2023
It’d be one thing if Stroud were just avoiding big plays and checking down to his receivers to get this record. But that couldn’t be further from the case. At the time of this writing, he’s got over 1400 yards passing, six touchdown passes, and is averaging eight yards per pass attempt. So he’s gunning it downfield and putting it in accurate places only his playmakers can reach.
It’s early, but it’s pretty apparent the Texans have found a difference-making young quarterback in Stroud. Watch out, NFL.