The Houston Texans made a calculated off-season move when they added rookie quarterback CJ Stroud to their roster. They also seemed to benefit from a little bit of good fortune in the midst of criticism from Colin Cowherd. Stroud became a game-changer in his first season with the club, lifting their fortunes out of a deep hole.
The Texans reached the peak of their winning momentum when they secured a remarkable victory against the Cleveland Browns in their first-ever playoff game, thanks to the impressive skills of Stroud. The head coach was extremely impressed with the rookie starter’s performance and couldn’t stop praising them for their win.
Texans HC talks about CJ Stroud’s importance in the team
Following a two-year break, the Texans achieved a remarkable triumph against the Cleveland Browns, marking their long-awaited comeback to the playoffs since 2019. The Texans head coach, Demeco Ryans, had nothing but praise for the young quarterback, describing him as a remarkable individual who excels in crucial moments.
The coach emphasized Stroud’s unique qualities, highlighting his capability to handle the pressure regardless of the magnitude of the moment.
“C.J. is the reason why we are in this position. He’s special. A special young man. A special player. Continues to shine no matter how big the moment is. Our whole team is leaning on him, and he has the shoulders to carry that weight,” said Ryans, according to NFL.com.
The coach’s admiration for Stroud extended beyond his on-field prowess. Ryans expressed the satisfaction of witnessing a young player shouldering the responsibility of leading the team, creating a positive impact on team morale.
“When you have a young player who can shoulder the load of your team and the way the team is behind him, the confidence that he gives our entire team. It’s so cool to watch,” Ryan added.
The 22-year-old Stroud showed incredible poise and talent in the postseason game against the Browns. His performance was outstanding, with 274 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an impressive 157.2 passer rating on 16-of-21 passing attempts. Stroud impressively led three touchdown drives in the first half, establishing himself as a standout rookie in postseason history.
CJ Stroud comments on leading the Texans to NFL playoffs
Overwhelmed with the joy of beating the Browns, CJ Stroud expressed that the win felt like a “dream come true” in his first-ever NFL postseason appearance. Though he showcased his full maturity and poise on the field, he mentioned the unity and strength of the Texans as a collective force behind the success.
“How close we are as a team. We’re really, really close. Offense, defense, special teams. We all mend well together.”
Meanwhile, the thrill of securing another week in the playoffs was not lost on Stroud, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue the journey with his teammates.
“Just to have another week to go at it with my brothers is a blessing, so I’m super excited for this team and the city of Houston.”
With the playoff victory, Stroud etched his name in the record books, becoming the youngest quarterback in league history to win a playoff game. Joining the ranks of NFL legends like Joe Flacco, Stroud’s accomplishment as a rookie signals a promising future and adds to the rising star’s already impressive trajectory.
As the Texans bask in the glory of their playoff success, CJ Stroud, the clear frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year in LeBron James’ eyes, stands at the forefront, leading the charge with a blend of youthful exuberance and quarterback prowess. The dreamlike journey continues for Stroud and the Texans, with aspirations of making an even deeper impact in the postseason.
