Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud found himself channeling the confidence of NFL legend Tom Brady following a standout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud, inspired by Brady’s outward display of confidence in his rookie season, felt emboldened to assert his own prowess after leading the Texans to a commanding 30-6 victory.
“That was the moment I was like, man, I can really play in this league and don’t think anyone can mess with me,” he said.
Stroud’s determination to break the team’s two-year home game drought fueled his performance against the Steelers. With an impressive display of skill and precision, he threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans’ 24-point win over the Steelers stands as their largest margin of victory since their dominant 57-14 triumph over the Tennessee Titans in October 2017.
As the star quarterback continues to emulate the confidence of NFL greats like Brady, the future looks bright for the rising star and the Texans.
C.J. Stroud’s meteoric rise sparks MVP buzz for Texans’ season ahead
In his rookie season, C.J. Stroud wasted no time showcasing his exceptional athleticism, drawing praise from the Baltimore Ravens’ star Lamar Jackson. Under his leadership, the Texans underwent a remarkable transformation, rising from the bottom of the AFC South standings to claim the division title. Their impressive run culminated in a resounding 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round.
Despite falling short of clinching the Lombardi trophy, Stroud’s remarkable athleticism earned him the prestigious title of Offensive Rookie of the Year. Now, as he gears up for his sophomore campaign, the signal-caller finds himself at the center of MVP discussions, with the 2024 NFL MVP odds placing him among the top contenders, as per Toro Times.
Reportedly, he is tied with Joe Burrow for the third-highest odds, trailing only seasoned veterans Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. This recognition comes as no surprise, given his stellar performance in his inaugural season, where he amassed an impressive 4,108 passing yards, along with 23 touchdowns and a mere five interceptions.
The Texans’ offseason moves also bolster expectations for Stroud and the team, with the franchise emerging as favorites to reclaim the AFC South title. The acquisition of All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the signing of veteran running back Joe Mixon add depth and talent to the roster.
