Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud 'Humbled' By Record-Setting Performance
HOUSTON — Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud is having a historic start to his career. During Sunday's 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroud set a rookie record for most passing yards in a game.
He finished with 470 yards while completing 30-of-42 attempts. He also threw five touchdowns without committing an interception.
With 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Stroud led the Texans on a 75-yard drive that ended with a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tank Dell.
"It's a blessing — just humbled me," Stroud said. "I put in a lot of work throughout the week, and the guys know that...I'm really blessed to break the record, and I'm really blessed to get the win."
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Stroud's performance against the Buccaneers was the latest example of how the former Ohio State prospect has put together one of the greatest starts in league history.
During a Week 5 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 8, Stroud became the NFL's all-time leader for most attempts to begin an NFL career without an interception with 186 passes thrown. A record Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott had held since 2016 (176). A few weeks later, The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Stroud's game ball.
Each performance Stroud has given eight games into his career is a testament of how he has applied each lesson learned since the early days of rookie mini-camp in May.
Stroud is on an early trajectory that could end with him receiving a permanent spot among the game's greatest players.
Due to Stroud's play, the Texans are entering their Week 10 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals with a 4-4 record. So far this season, Stroud has completed 62.0 percent of his passes for 2,270 yards and 14 touchdowns.
"That's something in this league I'm learning – you've got to be great in two-minute," Stroud said. "For me, I just want the ball. Just give me the ball, call the play, and I'm going to go make a play. I'm happy with the win."
