C.J. Stroud had a great game last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a game that many, myself included, had strong doubts the Texans could win, Stroud proved everyone wrong. He completed 20 of 30 passes, for 280 yards and no interceptions. Stroud has 121 pass attempts this season, sixth sixth-highest in the league, and has not thrown an interception (knock on wood).
On the year, he's over 900 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions, which makes him the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to start a season in this fashion. He'll need to do more of the same as the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to knock him off his horse this week.
I have concerns that the Texans' offensive line woes will haunt the Texans at some point but so far, Stroud has not appeared to be rattled by any pressure from opposing defenses. He'll be facing T.J. Watt though and he might be the best pass-rusher in the league. What can Stroud do this week to counter that pressure and shine? Well, glad you asked, let's get into it.
Quick reads and get the ball out fast
This is about as simple as it gets, but Stroud likely won't have a lot of time to throw, Being able to read what the defensive alignment wants to do and quickly reading what is happening after the ball is snapped, will be vital to his success.
I anticipate the Texans utilizing a lot of quick developing routes, such as slants and crossers but they'll also need to take a deep shot from time to time, just to keep the Steelers' defense off balance. The Texans had a great game plan last week against the Jaguars and it led to 37 points. We need more of the same this week.
Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Stroud had a passer grade of 80.5 and an overall of 84.3. Outstanding numbers by any standard and Stroud is proving the Texans were right in selecting him with the number two overall pick. If he can keep this up, NLF Rookie of the Year is all but his for the taking.
Find Tank Dell early and often
Over the last two games, Tank Dell has produced 217 yards on 12 receptions. When Stroud has targeted Dell in the passing game (21 targets), he has a quarterback rating of 143.2. Not sure where that ranks among other receivers in the league but I can't imagine there are many with a better rating. This is a big reason Stroud should be looking at Dell's way all day long.
The other reason is simple. Dell's quickness out of the slot makes him a huge target in a timing-based, quick-passing attack. Dell's quickness and route running are the prime reasons Stroud's passer rating is so high when he targets Dell, he gets open consistently and does it in short order, providing Stroud with a go-to option when the pass rush heats up.
Don't change what you're doing, Stroud is balling
As I said at the top, Stroud has over 900 yards and no interceptions. The four touchdowns you hope increase but the big thing is that Stroud is completing passes at a high rate and moving the chains. Most important, he's not turning the ball over. Playing solid defense and not committing turnovers seems to be a pretty simple recipe for a win to me.
What the Texans have done so far this season, especially over the last couple of weeks is working. Maybe add a wrinkle or two here and there but ultimately, if it isn't broken, no need to try to fix it. Stroud and the Texans are playing well and that will hopefully continue this week. I would like to see the Texans' run game become more of a factor but until the offensive line is healthy, I don't think the run game will be a factor. So far, Stroud has shown he can carry this team regardless, and that should continue this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers.