Tag: C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud predicted to be Texans’ MVP for 2024 season

C.J. Stroud might not win the league MVP, but he’s certainly the Houston Texans’ most valuable player.

The Houston Texans have multiple impact players — both returning and new — on the roster who will help contribute to the team’s success in 2024.

But which standout will be the most impactful as Houston looks to build off its AFC South title heading into Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans?

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm examined one MVP for each NFL team heading into the 2024 season. Countless names were considered, including newcomers Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter. Emerging talents like Tank Dell and Will Anderson Jr. also could have been in the conversation after breakout rookie campaigns.

However, everything starts and ends with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud as he looks to elevate his game even further.

There are just going to be some quarterback layups, and when they’re there, I am taking them every time. I rated Stroud slightly ahead of Bryce Young prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, but even in my wildest fever dreams, I couldn’t have expected the bonanza rookie campaign C.J. put forth last season. What struck me most? His rare poise and precision — you almost never find those traits individually in a first-year quarterback, much less together in the same package.

New receiver Stefon Diggs is another viable candidate on offense, and Will Anderson Jr. also displayed the kind of talent in Year 1 that could make him a team MVP at some point. But not this year. Even if there’s a case to be made that the Texans might not meet the sky-high expectations for them this season, no way am I veering off Stroud here.

Stroud set the tone in Year 1, becoming the fifth rookie in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards. Not only did he become the youngest passer to win a playoff game, but Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing yards per game.

With Diggs and Mixon joining an offense featuring already ample star power, Stroud should see his number nearly double. He joked earlier in the offseason that Houston has “five No. 1 targets,” though that might be a reality by early December.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.

PFF: Panthers QB Bryce Young amongst players facing most pressure in 2024

The pressure may only mount for Panthers QB Bryce Young in Year No. 2.

After a lowly rookie campaign, Bryce Young may be praying that tomorrow takes him higher.

And tomorrow is this upcoming season, where the second-year quarterback will be facing quite a bit of pressure to rebound for the Carolina Panthers. In fact, Young—in a recent list from Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson—was named amongst nine other players who are facing the most pressure in 2024.

Monson writes of Young’s rough 2023:

What makes his season’s struggles even more damning is the outstanding year fellow rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had for the Texans. As the other real contender for the No. 1 overall pick, Stroud and his success will draw obvious questions about whether Carolina made the right decision at the top of the 2023 draft.

The Panthers will hope that the team around Young was a far bigger factor in his failure as a rookie than his ability, and Year 2 is when he needs to prove them right.

As Monson notes, PFF’s metrics showed that Young recorded 22 turnover-worthy plays—tied for the ninth-most in the NFL. He also faced an “astronomical” pressure-to-sack ratio of 24.5 percent, the most amongst all quarterbacks with at least 10 appearances.

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Parker McCollum excited to see C.J. Stroud, Texans progress in Year 2

Country music star Parker McCollum is ready for football season to return so he can watch his Houston Texans win behind C.J. Stroud.

It’s been a hell of a year for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and country music star Parker McCollum.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, put together one of the best rookie seasons in league history after guiding the Texans back to the postseason for the first time in four years.

McCollum, a native of Conroe just outside Houston, lived up to the billing as one of the biggest rising stars in music with his hit single “Burn It Down.’

During a recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show, McCollum poked fun at the Indianapolis Colts and its former punter’s love for the Midwest franchise while also discussing his excitement for the upcoming football season.

After struggling for nearly two decades, McCollum believes Houston’s time has finally arrived under Stroud.

“It’s special, dude, I get emotional talking about it,” McCollum said. “I’ve loved that football team for so long and we’re real good now…we’re about to talk some s–t. That’s two-thirds of my life, and we didn’t have one when I was a kid. Then, for 20 years, we were alright at times, but now we’re special.”

The specialty comes from the new foundation. Former Pro Bowl linebacker and 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans returned to Houston for the first time in over a decade as head coach. It also invested in quarterback by selecting Stroud, a two-time Heisman finalist at Ohio State, and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., a two-time Bronko Nagurski winner at Alabama.

In McCollum’s eyes, everything starts with the coach.

“He’s the secret sauce, dude. Getting him and C.J. at the same time, that’s a God thing,” McCollum said.

Stroud, who last season became the fifth rookie in league history to throw 4,000-plus yards in his first year, is human despite having superhero-esque football powers. A well-known Los Angeles Lakers fan, he gets frustrated and passionate when the roster underwhelms and loses.

That’s the adoration McCollum loves to see and fans can appreciate

“He was like: ‘When I watch the (Los Angeles) Lakers lose, I’m upset,’ and he’s a professional athlete saying that,” McCollum said. “Fans feel that. Like, man, he wants to win, he knows how we’re feeling since we’ve been down for a long time. When your quarterback is possibly the greatest rookie of all time… that’s great, that’s good for the culture.”

McAfee, a known Colts supporter, wasn’t letting McCollum off the hook that easy and made to preface that the Texans only won the division because fellow first-rounder Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after four games.

McCollum jabbed right back, citing the addition of a four-time Pro Bowler at receiver to turn Stroud’s dynamic duo into a trio.

“I’m glad C.J. and Stefon Diggs are on the field throwing balls, we’ve got our priorities right,” McCollum said.

Tom Brady takes on C.J. Stroud in friendly July 4th beach football game

C.J. Stroud and Tom Brady spent July 4th slinging the pigskin around in the Hamptons.

Tom Brady might have seven Super Bowl rings and three MVP awards, but he’s 0-1 when it comes to beach football in the Hamptons.

Meanwhile, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is undefeated against the G.O.A.T., even if there wasn’t a pass rush coming his way.

Stroud’s pickup team defeated Brady’s roster in a game of touch football before billionaire Michael Rubin’s July 4th party at his mansion Thursday evening. Among those in attendance were Brady’s ex-teammate Rob Gronkowski, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Miami Dolphins receiver Odell Beckham Jr., YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, as well as musicians Travis Scott and Quavo, plus others.

Brady and Stroud picked teams before the annual white party began, with Gronk reuniting with former New England and Tampa Bay teammate. Rubin posted a video to his X account of Hamlin — a member of Stroud’s squad —intercepting Brady for a game-winning pick-six.

“Pre White Party mini camp… getting our reps in and our body right 😂 let’s go,” the entrepreneur captioned the post.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9ATghtu7ho/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=14d7e51e-b1a5-4417-afa0-f61f217260a6

While Stroud didn’t talk smack to the former superstar, Parsons wasn’t afraid to call out his teammate for the ill-advised throw that cost them the game.

“C’mon, Tom!” an empathic Parsons said. “What’s going on here?”

Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year after helping Houston return to the postseason for the first time since 2019, has been the talk of the offseason. He’s made trips to Asia, Morroco and France between workouts and mandatory OTAs back in Houston, but has made sure to run drills and throw during stops on each continent.

Brady, a fellow California native, won’t be strapping up anytime soon, but he will be suiting up and heading to the broadcast booth this season with Fox’s top NFL broadcast team as an analyst. The 46-year-old made his TV debut earlier this offseason by calling the UFL Championship.

Who knows? Maybe Stroud picked up a few things during the game that will translate to the field this fall. And yes, expect Brady to reference it if he’s calling the game.

Tank Dell believes C.J. Stroud can ‘bridge the gap’ to reach Patrick Mahomes status

Tank Dell says C.J. Stroud could take over the title of best quarterback in the NFL.

Wide receivers are always trying to talk up their quarterbacks, and Houston Texans second-year target Tank Dell is doing a bit more than praising reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud these days. 

During a recent appearance on the I Am Athlete podcast network, Dell broke down his rookie season, his recovery after being shot earlier this offseason, and his goals for the 2024 season. Dell also praised Stroud for his leadership, preparation and continued growth as the team’s X-factor in a run for the division title. 

Dell has high hopes for the offense in Year 2 under the Bobby Slowik-Stroud marriage. He also believes the former No. 2 overall pick is the second-best quarterback in the pros entering training camp. 

“He just brings a special type of swag,” Dell said. “I for sure feel like C.J. got the opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league. … What the world sees, they’re seeing exactly what we’re seeing. How he just coming out there as a 21-year-old man going against grown men, and he’s out here just balling every week. How consistent he is.

“I feel like C.J. gotta keep doing what he’s doing to bridge the gap between him and [Patrick] Mahomes.”

Stroud, who last season became the fifth rookie in league history to throw 4,000-plus yards in his first year, put together a campaign to remember. Not only did he become the youngest passer to win a playoff game, but Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing yards per game.

In February, Mahomes secured his third Super Bowl title and Super Bowl MVP before turning 30. He’s been an MVP favorite each season since 2018 and a vital reason why Kansas City has won four AFC titles in six seasons. 

Perhaps Dell is being a bit impulsive in comparing Stroud to this generation’s Brady, but the upside is through the roof for the two-time Heisman finalist entering Year 2. Much like Mahomes during his MVP season in 2018, Stroud has done things that few have accomplished in league history, let alone their first year. 

Mahomes is the league’s top quarterback this season. Heck, on his current trajectory, he might go down as the most complete passer the league has ever seen.

That doesn’t mean Stroud can’t give him a run for individual honors each season alongside names like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. And much remains a mystery for Stroud compared to the others since he’s played only one season. 

Dell, Stroud and the Texans could be Mahomes and the Chiefs’ top threat to their chances to three-peat. If the rookie continues to improve, an opportunity to boost his MVP odds could be on the line when the two squads meet in Kansas City on Dec. 21. 

Where do the Commanders rank among NFL teams in under-25 talent?

The Commanders’ ranking is bolstered by its rookie class.

The Washington Commanders had a busy offseason overhauling a roster that went 4-13 last season. The good news is Washington had plenty of cap space and nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft to flip a roster that former head coach Ron Rivera believed was really good.

The most significant new addition is quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner was selected No. 2 overall and has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic since arriving in May.

Six of Washington’s nine selections came in the draft’s first three rounds. Five rookies have a clear path to significant playing time in 2024.

Can the rookie class enjoy immediate success like the Houston Texans one year ago? The biggest similarity between Houston and Washington is under center. C.J. Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick in 2023 and became one of the NFL’s top young passers as a rookie.

ESPN recently ranked every NFL team in terms of under-25 talent. Washington ranked 18th, and the Commanders ranked 15th last season.

Blue-chip players: QB Jayden Daniels

Notable graduated players: RB Brian Robinson Jr., G Samuel Cosmi, LB Jamin Davis

Washington is boosted significantly by this year’s draft, and that starts with the No. 2 overall pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Daniels (23) at quarterback. The Commanders also had three second-round picks this year. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott are both 22, while nickelback Mike Sainristil is 23.

As for players who were in Washington last year, wide receiver Jahan Dotson is 24, although his reputation is better than his performance in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics, where he finished near the bottom of the league. Another young player who struggled in advanced metrics is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Last year’s first-round pick was one of the worst cornerbacks in the league, with only 38 tackles and one interception. However, he’s just 23, and many top corners take two or three years to develop.

That’s certainly an encouraging perspective on Forbes.

If the Commanders’ rookie class and some of their second-year players like Forbes and Quan Martin can emerge as starters, Washington will be much higher on this list one year from now.

Were you wondering where the NFC East teams ranked in terms of under-25 talent? We’ve got you covered:

  • New York Giants: 13th
  • Dallas Cowboys: 21st
  • Philadelphia Eagles: 29th

J.J. McCarthy already making an impression on Vikings locker room

J.J. McCarthy may not be the starting QB, yet, but he’s still making a big impression on the locker room according to LB Blake Cashman.

Sam Darnold may be the starting quarterback at this point in the season for the Minnesota Vikings, but that’s not a knock on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and it’s certainly not a reflection of how the locker room feels about the youngster. In an interview with Jim Rome, new Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman lavished praise upon the rookie:

“Yeah, 21 years old but a great young man. He’s a leader. He is eager to learn. A lot of young guys, sometimes they can come in, be a little timid or shy. But he’s walking round the locker room, big smile on his face, shaking hands, getting to know everybody.”

“I didn’t know much about his game before, and I knew he was an outstanding quarterback, winning followed him at Michigan. But I didn’t realize how much heat he could put on the ball. He’s got a great long ball. And even those tight windows, which close fast at the next level — he can zip the ball past a linebacker or safety’s head and squeeze it in those tight windows. And that’s very promising to see.”

Cashman, whom the Vikings signed in the offseason after two seasons with the Houston Texans, is no stranger to having a front-row seat to developing quarterbacks. Last season, he was on the Texans with Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Cashman was also a rookie in 2019 with the Jets, where he played with then-second-year quarterback Sam Darnold—Darnold’s best statistical season as a professional.

While Darnold has the inside track to be the Vikings starter when the season starts, it’s only a matter of time before McCarthy takes the reins. When that remains to be seen, if McCarthy can continue his development and show the traits that Cashman sees in camp, he’ll be set up for success when his time comes.

What are Texans QB C.J. Stroud’s odds of winning MVP in 2024?

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud delivered a historic rookie season, but what are his chances of winning MVP in year two?

Houston Texans defensive end  J.J. Watt finished as runner-up for the NFL MVP back in 2014. Not only did it mark the best finish for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year,  but it also was the only top-three marking for a player in franchise history.

A decade later, Houston has its best chance of seeing another take home the league’s highest individual honor.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has oddsmakers juiced on his chance to build upon his historic rookie season into MVP status. DraftKings Sportsbook listed Stroud tied with Bills quarterback Josh Allen for the second-lowest odds at +850.

Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes comes in as the favorite at +450.

Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year following a season in which he threw 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading the Texans to an AFC South championship and a playoff victory.

An MVP in Stroud’s second season would place him in elite company, joining two Hall of Famers in Dan Marino (1984) and Kurt Warner (1999) and the previous two winners in Mahomes (2018) and Lamar Jackson (2019).

Jackson and Mahomes are also two of three active players with multiple MVPs, along with New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers, which could catapult Stroud’s trajectory to new heights entering a pivotal third season.

Historically, the MVP comes from one of the top teams. The last seven winners either played for the franchise with the best record in the league or the top record in the conference.

DraftKings set Houston’s win total at 9.5, tied with the New York Jets for sixth-highest in the AFC. The Texans also have the seventh-toughest schedule, according to Sharp Football Analysis.

Houston countered the gauntlet of a schedule by adding to Stroud’s support in separate offseason trades, acquiring running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. 

A four-time Pro Bowler, Diggs joins 2023 breakout Nico Collins and standout rookie Tank Dell. The latter saw his season cut short by a season-ending leg injury in Week 13. Houston’s duo combined for 127 receptions and 2,006 yards.

Before Dell’s injury, Stroud was on fire, throwing for 1,466 yards and 10 touchdowns over four games. That run pushed Stroud’s name into MVP talks, but a concussion against the Jets sidelined him for two weeks and derailed the buzz.

In a 17-game projection, Stroud was on pace to throw for 6,230 yards and 42 touchdowns. He finished ninth in MVP voting. 

 

Pro Football Focus sees Stroud’s ceiling as an All-Pro in Year 2 under Bobby Slowik’s playbook. The Pro Football Writers Association loves storylines.

Stroud’s captured the hearts of many throughout his first year in the NFL. And in the fact that Houston is one of six franchises without an NFL MVP, it’s a recipe for dominance come 2024. 

Texans upgrade offensive line in latest ESPN 2025 mock draft

In the latest mock draft from ESPN, the Houston Texans land another name to the offensive line in hopes of better protecting C.J. Stroud.

It’s never too early for mock draft season, even if the players recently selected have yet to play their first game in the pros.

While the 2024 NFL season is set to get underway, some fans have already waved the white flag to prepare for what hopes to be a brighter 2025 and beyond. Free agency will play a substantial role in that department, but landing cornerstone pieces in the draft is a must for rebuilding franchises.

The Houston Texans aren’t under construction but instead under watch as reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud transitions from Year 1 to Year 2. Everything is there for Stroud to meet expectations after a potent free agency, but the AFC is riddled with talent, meaning an uptick in record isn’t a sure-fire thing.

That’s how ESPN feels with its latest mock draft, pegging the Texans with the No. 23 overall pick. A significant reason for a similar record in 2023?  The offensive line, which is why Matt Miller has Houston landing Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea in the upcoming draft.

The Texans’ roster is very good, but the interior of both lines could still use work. Why not bring in one of the best right tackles in college football and kick him inside — a move scouts believe will push Savaiinaea into the first-round conversation — to help protect C.J. Stroud? The 6-foot-5 330-pounder locked down the right side for Arizona last season opposite first-rounder Jordan Morgan and stood out with his power in the run game. He would improve a Houston offensive line that finished 25th in the league in run block win rate (69.5%) last season. – ESPN Matt Miller

Savaiinaea enters the season as the projected starting left tackle for the Wildcats as the program jumps from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. He’s been a sturdy option in the run game and only allowed one sack en route to a 10-win season in Tuscon.

Miller believes Savaiinaea will shift inside to enter Day 1 buzz with a stellar season, but a strong season in the Big 12 might allow him to stick on the edge. Houston might not be interested in adding a right tackle after using its second-round pick on Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher to bolster its depth.

Fisher, who started 26 games on the offensive line for the Irish, might internally be viewed as Tytus Howard’s long-term replacement. The former first-round pick has been hindered by injuries throughout his career and suffered another season-ending injury last fall.

Should Fisher actually work reps on the left side, this could lead to him eventually being the replacement for Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil. The Texans don’t have to worry about that problem for the immediate time since Tunsil can’t opt out of his deal until 2025, but Houston could be looking to save money with Stroud’s eventual mega-extension in the works.

Interior offensive line play has been a glaring weak spot over the past two seasons. The hope is Houston will see a revamped version of former first-round pick Kenyon Green at left guard after missing the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury.

Perhaps Savaiinaea could be considered a long-term replacement for Shaq Mason, who enters his age 31 season. He still has three years left on the books, but his dead cap is more affordable to cut following the 2024 season.

Of course, countless things will change from here until Week 17 on both sides. Savaiinaea might be out of Houston’s reach if the AFC South champions achieve its ultimate goal.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ‘all-in’ on Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Stephen A. Smith is all in on Houston Texans C.J. Stroud being the next great young passer in the NFL.

C.J. Stroud has won over countless national pundits following his epic first season as the Houston Texans starting quarterback, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

During a recent segment on ‘First Take,’ Smith went back and forth with former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum between quarterbacks worth starting a franchise besides Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. Tannenbaum chose Green Bay Packers’ star Jordan Love after replacing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers last season.

Smith, however, came with receipts in favor of the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“[He’s the] third quarterback in the last 50 years to lead the NFL in both passing yards per game and touchdown to interception ratio,” Smith said of Stroud. “This brother had a 157 passer rating in his first playoff game against the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL, which is Cleveland.
“He’s also younger than Jordan Love.”

All valid points from the media personality on the separation between the two first-year starters, but there’s more to the equation. Stroud started off playing behind a makeshift offensive line and yet never seemed fazed while delivering strikes on third down.

Love, who sat for three seasons while learning Matt LaFleur’s offense, was a plug-and-play fit who already had an understanding of the concepts needed to be a positive when taking over for Rodgers.

Love’s numbers were better than Stroud’s, but remember that the latter missed two games in December due to a concussion. Love played in all 17 games and finished with a lower passer rating (100.8:94.1) and average yard per pass (8.2:7.4).

Both gunslingers are expected to be standouts in the league’s future, but Stroud also is on a rookie deal. Love, who signed a one-year extension last offseason after Green Bay elected not to pick up his fifth-year option, will be up for a new lucrative deal before training camp begins.

Smith pointed out that a cheaper salary also leans in Stroud’s favor.

Time will tell if both players live up to the hype after one season, but Stroud will have time to progress before the Texans are forced to open their wallets.

That could put Houston in line for one of the best bargain deals in league history when all is said and done.

A leader in the race for young QB1 could be on the line later this season when the Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on Love at Packers on October 20.