Almost each single man within the Texans locker room was not simply prepared, however keen to present CJ Stroud his properly deserved flowers following Houston’s win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday evening, which secured a playoff berth for the upstart Texans. To a person, every of the Texans who spoke after the sport gave the lion’s share of the credit score to their rookie quarterback… besides for his or her rookie quarterback himself.
“It’s not me. It’s my teammates.” (h/t Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston)
That was CJ Stroud’s message on ESPN after the sport. Now have in mind, this efficiency from Stroud wasn’t the primary time all season he is come by with late-game heroics. The 22-year-old rookie has come by within the clutch all season lengthy. However on this second, on this stage, for Stroud to return by with an almost flawless efficiency — 20-for-26, 264 yards, 2 touchdowns, 134.1 passer ranking — properly, that is the stuff legends are made from. Positive, we should not transfer ahead with out acknowledging first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, or rising star huge receiver Nico Collins (9 catches, 195 yards, 1 landing towards Indy), or a Texans protection that lacks conventional star energy, however has carried out properly all season lengthy.
However once more, the story right here is CJ Stroud.
Rookie quarterbacks aren’t purported to have this form of rapid impression. There’s historically a studying curve that younger gamers, particularly quarterbacks, are required to beat. I am certain Stroud has had his bumps within the street throughout his rookie season, nevertheless it hasn’t been seen like it’s for therefore many rookie quarterbacks. In any case, had Stroud not missed two begins on account of a concussion, he would’ve put up the normal numbers, and had the kind of win-loss document to not solely be a runaway winner for Rookie of the 12 months, but additionally to be strongly thought-about for MVP. And let’s be sincere, Stroud must be within the MVP dialog proper now, as a result of this sort of reward would not come for guys who aren’t “priceless.”
“He is every little thing. Whenever you acquired a man beneath heart that takes command of the entire workforce, he has an aura about him that is particular. There is a purpose why we will the playoffs.” – Brevin Jordan on CJ Stroud.
“With out him, we do not accomplish half of the issues that now we have. Man, 7 has been phenomenal for us. Everyone on this constructing appreciates having him and is blessed to have him right here. We simply acquired to present all credit score to 7. His character impacts all people on this locker room. His perspective and power bleed by the entire locker room. It makes all people need to step up and maintain taking part in higher.” – Will Anderson on CJ Stroud
“CJ would not shock me. We talked about it earlier within the week with CJ being particular in these big-time moments while you want it most, to step up and make performs. He is carried out it time after time all through all the 12 months. It is not stunning. That is who he’s. He is among the finest passers on this league. And he reveals it constantly, recreation in and recreation out.” – DeMeco Ryans on CJ Stroud
(All quotes courtesy of DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com)