Texans’ C.J. Stroud ranks himself among NFL’s elite QBs, says Bryce Young will be ‘great’ after rocky debut

Few NFL players have ever had a better rookie season than the one Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud put together. The recently crowned Offensive Rookie of the Year completed 63.9% of his passes at an average of 8.2 yards per attempt, with 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions across his 15 games, leading the Texans to a 9-6 record in his starts, along with an AFC South title. He led the NFL in passing yards per game and was among the league leaders in more advanced measurements of quarterback performance as well.

After a season like that, it’s hard not to start thinking about exactly where Stroud stands in the league hierarchy. Yes, already. It’s not too soon. And Stroud himself thinks he’s right in the mix as a top five passer. 

“Yes, sir. I do. I think I put it on film,” Stroud said during a CBS Sports Radio appearance at the Super Bowl. “I think my numbers speak for itself. Especially missing two games. If I didn’t miss two games, my numbers would have been just as good or one of the best in the league. And I think you can see the impact I had on my team. I’m not in the business of like, arguing, ‘I’m top five. I’m not.’ I really don’t care. I mean, I just want to win.”

As for who else would join him in that top five, Stroud had three players definitely in there: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Joe Burrow, because he didn’t play enough during the 2023 season, didn’t make Stroud’s cut. The final spot would go to either Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts. Notably, second-place MVP finisher Dak Prescott and NFC champion quarterback Brock Purdy went unmentioned. But that’s a discussion for another day. 

Stroud also had some kind words to say about 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, whose season was not nearly as successful as Stroud’s own. The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL in 2023, and Young often looked overwhelmed and outmatched by opposing defenses. But…


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Author : Jared Dubin

Publish date : 2024-02-09 16:35:17

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