CJ Stroud 'Wasn't Surprised Much' About Rookie Success
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud delivered one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NFL history, but despite his humble nature, it wasn't a shock to him.
"No, it wasn't," Stroud told NFL.com on Saturday. "I have confidence in myself. I wasn't surprised much."
Stroud spearheaded a remarkable transformation for the Texans, guiding them to clinch the AFC South title and triumph over the Cleveland Browns in the playoff's opening round. This achievement marked a significant turnaround following three consecutive seasons with single-digit wins for the franchise.
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Throughout the regular season, Stroud emerged as the NFL's passing yards leader, averaging an impressive 273.9 yards per game. He secured a distinctive accolade as the first rookie since Dak Prescott in 2016 to capture a division title with a minimum of 10 starts. Stroud's season statistics were nothing short of stellar, amassing 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a mere five interceptions, boasting a league-best 1.0 interception percentage.
His passing yardage ranks as the third-highest by a rookie in NFL history. Adding to the historical significance, the 22-year-old Stroud became the youngest player to lead the league in the touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio, registering an impressive 22 to 5 mark.
A crucial element in Stroud's success was the instant chemistry he developed with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Despite significant interest in Slowik during the head coaching cycle, his decision to return to Houston looks promising for success in the 2024 season. It indicates a promising continuity in their partnership, setting the stage for continued success and growth for the young quarterback in the upcoming seasons.
Following his dynamic debut, Stroud and the Texans' expectations are elevated for the 2024 season. The second-year signal-caller is optimistic about the future in Houston.
"Really excited," Stroud said. "We've got a lot of good pieces coming back, probably add some pieces that we need. Lots of moving parts, but it should be fun."
