During a discussion on The Pivot Podcast, Stroud mentioned that the Texans’ victory against Jacksonville in Week 3 marked the final instance where he experienced treatment as a rookie from opposing teams.
C.J. Stroud vividly recalls the moment when he emerged as a genuine force in the realm of professional football.
The Houston Texans were on the road, facing an intense barrage of blitzes orchestrated by Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. In a recent hour-long discussion on The Pivot Podcast with former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Cameron Crowder, and Fred Taylor, first-year quarterback C.J. Stroud shared how he adapted to the relentless blitzes during their Week 3 encounter against Jacksonville.
Recalling the pivotal game, a 37-17 victory over the Jaguars, Stroud emphasized that it was the turning point that made NFL defenses take notice of him as a formidable presence in the league. Despite Jacksonville underestimating him as a rookie, Stroud’s exceptional performance in Week 3 showcased his prowess, earning respect from opponents.
During that game, Stroud demonstrated his skills by going 20-for-30, accumulating 280 yards and two passing touchdowns. Notably, he effectively countered the Jaguars’ aggressive defense, sealing Houston’s first win of the season with a remarkable 68-yard pass to Tank Dell in the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on this game, Stroud noted that it marked the end of being treated like a rookie quarterback throughout the rest of the season. He highlighted the adjustments he made, opting for smart plays and checkdowns when needed, a strategic shift that took a few weeks to fully embrace. This adjustment contributed to Stroud’s impressive season, finishing near the top in quarterback efficiency with 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, and a remarkable distinction as the only quarterback with more than 20 touchdowns and five or fewer interceptions.
As he awaits the NFL Honors ceremony where he is poised to receive the Rookie of the Year award, Stroud expressed that his ultimate goal extends beyond this accolade. He aspires to be the best in the league and aims for the coveted MVP title. The podcast conversation provided insights into Stroud’s journey and determination to reach the pinnacle of success in the NFL.
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