Tag: Texans C.J. Stroud

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws game-winning TD pass vs. Jaguars

C.J. Stroud’s late heroics secure the Houston Texans’ third victory of the young season.

C.J. Stroud is inevitable.

The second-year Houston Texans quarterback never lost composure despite being under duress against a Jacksonville Jaguars pass rush. He remained calm in the pocket and delivered quick, clean strikes.

And because of it, the Texans are sitting 3-1 entering Week 4.

Stroud found running back Dare Ogunbowale for a 1-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining to give the Texans the eventual 24-20 win over the AFC South foe. It marked the only points of the second half for the Texans, who welcome the Buffalo Bills next Sunday afternoon.

After getting a crucial third-down stop, the Texans drove 69 yards in nine plays to set up inside the red zone. Stroud found Nico Collins for his 12th catch and a pickup of 26.  He connected with Dalton Schultz inside the red zone for a first-down pickup for six yards.

And Stroud was aggressive with his legs. He ran for first down to open the drive. Stroud also evaded the pressure to his Ogunbowale twice for short-yard gains.

Stroud finished the afternoon 27-of-40 for 345 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 17 yards and a pair of first downs.

Houston is currently 2-0 at NRG Stadium to enter the 2024 season.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has top-selling jersey in the NFL

Move over Patrick Mahomes as Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud is now the face of NFL jersey sales.

C.J. Stroud is currently the top athlete in the city of Houston following a breakout rookie season with the Houston Texans. Go through any tailgate outside of NRG Stadium and No. 7 will be well represented. 

Apparently, Stroud’s impact has reached national status entering Week 3 of the 2024 season. 

The Texans quarterback tops the list of jersey sales, according to the NFL Players Association. On Wedensday, the NFLPA released the top 50 jersey-sellers from March through May.

Stroud, who last season won Offensive Rookie of the Year after guiding the Texans to their first division title in four seasons, surpassed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was second. The two-time MVP has carried the title of top seller since his breakout campaign in 2018. 

Much like on the gridiron, Mahomes has competition to remain the top option. 

Now, it must be noted that Stroud’s jersey sales might have benefitted from Houston changing its jerseys in the offseason for the first time in franchise history. Some records could be from the old kits worn in 2023. 

Others likely are from a new era and look surrounding the Texans in 2024. 

Detriot Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow rounded out the top five. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. appeared on the list at No. 24 following his dominant first year. 

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While the Texans might be the biggest risers in the AFC, they only have two representatives in the top 50. Detriot, a fan favorite from last season, saw the most growth with six, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 8), quarterback Jared Goff (No. 19) and tight end Sam LaPorta (No. 44). 

Maybe next season, the Texans will have the same cast of talent with Nico Collins, Danielle Hunter, Tank Dell, Derek Stingley Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair joining the mix. 

Texans OC Bobby Slowik gives QB C.J. Stroud small request heading into regular season

C.J. Stroud has been dominant with the Houston Texans, but offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has a piece of advice

C.J. Stroud has been the epitome of a perfect teammate, student and quarterback since the Houston Texans drafted him No. 2 overall pick in April of 2023. 

Sometimes, perfect doesn’t always mean ideal, which is why offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has a small request for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

During a recent appearance on the Green Light podcast with former NFL defensive lineman Chris Long, Slowik praised Stroud’s willingness to go above and beyond past the film room. Since his time at Ohio State, Stroud — as Slowik puts it — has the drive to be “the best at everything.” 

That includes making sure he doesn’t make the same mistake twice in a game or practice. Slowik mentioned that Stroud always seems to be studying the tape, going over every minor detail to avoid a major mishap on Sundays. 

“He’ll be up watching film, and this isn’t even game-plan time,” Slowik said. “We’re talking right now in training camp. He’s sending texts to receivers, to coaches, to everybody. From film of clips of how he wants to make some adjustments, things he’s thinking through the course of plays.” 

While studying has its perks, so does rest, which is why Slowik offered a word of advice to the still budding star. 

“It’s like 11:30 p.m., man,” Slowik joked. “Go to sleep. Go to sleep C.J., come on man.”

Stroud certainly could use a few extra hours of sleep, but he proved he could ball out with little rest in 2023. Last season in 15 games, he threw for over 4,000 yards and led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio, along with passing yards per game. 

He also became the youngest passer in NFL history to win a playoff game after securing a 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. Stroud also was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate after all of his success. 

While the Texans have long-term questions about the franchise, Stroud isn’t one of them. He seems poised to build off a dominant rookie season while guiding Houston to its first potential Super Bowl title starting this fall. 

And winning a Lombardi Trophy might be the only way Stroud finally gets a great night’s sleep.