Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud Has Already Won 'Best Rookie QB Fight,' NFL Analyst Says
It's only been a two-man race for the hypothetical "best rookie quarterback award" between Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud and Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson this season, but the latter ended his campaign earlier this week for shoulder surgery that will sideline him the rest of the year.
That being said, NFL analyst Rich Eisen believes that Stroud's abilities and leadership in Houston has locked him up for the hypothetical honor.
"This fight is over, unless (Chicago Bears') Tyson Bagent or (Las Vegas Raiders') Aidan O'Connell make a run, which I doubt it," Eisen said on Wednesday's edition of The Rich Eisen Show. "Stroud has the Texans in position to threaten in there division. This fight is over and it's due to C.J. Stroud looking the part, showing his heart and his ability."
Eisen listed many reasons why Stroud is the best rookie quarterback, but the fact that he's done more with less takes the prize.
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
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"Their offensive line didn't have (three-time Pro Bowl left tackle) Laremy Tunsil on it until a couple of games ago," Eisen said. "The run game hasn't gotten going as Dameon Pierce is kind of M.I.A. with their new zone blocking scheme. The offensive line has done a very good job, but it was jumbled."
Many NFL Drafts in the past had a clear-cut first overall pick months before the name was officially announced. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was the consensus No. 1, as he was eventually selected at that spot, but Stroud was also in the running after his performance at Ohio State and pre-draft workouts.
"C.J. Stroud looked phenomenal at the combine. He threw the ball better than anyone else," Eisen said. "When (Panthers quarterbacks coach) Josh McCown went up to him during his Pro Day and told him certain places when he moves to Charlotte for him to go, I honestly thought that they were going to take him."
Stroud has set multiple records revolving around his inability to throw interceptions, up until last game. Through six weeks, he has the fourth-most passing yards (1,660) and ninth-most touchdown passes (9) in the NFL.
