The Houston Texans offense was in desperate need of a get-right game against the banged-up Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday, and boy did they get right. In a dominant 34-point victory, Houston's offense hung 44 points on Baltimore's defense and outgained the Ravens by a staggering 210 total yards.
The catalyst of this performance was CJ Stroud, who played arguably his best game since his rookie season, completing 23-of-27 attempts for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns, finishing the game with a 143.8 passer rating... a stat-line good enough to hold off the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs and Patrick Mahomes to be named the Week 5 AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
It's the third time in CJ Stroud's career that he's earned this distinction, with both other instances coming during Stroud's rookie season. The first time was in Stroud's breakout performance, a thrilling 39-37 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which the rookie quarterback threw for 470 yards and 5 touchdowns. The second time came in the final week of the 2023 season, a game which the Texans needed to win to make the Playoffs. Stroud answered the call, completing 20-of-26 passes for 264 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
This week's honor comes following the second consecutive week where it looked as though the Texans offense has finally turned a corner after a few rough weeks to start the 2025 campaign. In these last two wins, Stroud has completed 45-of-55 passes for 477 yards and 6 touchdowns. Stroud's completion percentage (81.8%) and passer rating (139.2) are both best in the NFL in that span.
What's interesting is, Stroud isn't the only Texan who deserved Player of the Week hype coming out of Week 5. On the defensive side of the ball, Houston safety Jalen Pitre played one of his best games, picking off 2 passes and notching 4 tackles, including one highlight reel play when the 200 lb. defensive back used the hit stick on 250 lb. running back Derrick Henry.
In the end, it was Denver Broncos' $100 million linebacker Nik Bonnitto who got the nod after a 2.5 sack performance versus the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles.
With how dominant the Texans defense has been this year, it's only a matter of time until one of its stars takes home the hardware. When they do, it likely won't warrant much of a celebration. But Stroud's ascent and return to 2023 form is a welcome sign for those who frequent the Toro Times.