As the season reaches its midway point, it's the perfect time to evaluate the performance and progress of Houston Texan's quarterback, C.J. Stroud. In a season filled with high expectations and intense competition, Stroud has led the team well. The young quarterback's journey is under close watch. His development is the focal point for the team's aspirations.
How has DeMeco Ryans' rookie quarterback performed leading up to Week 7?
Houston Texans: C.J Stroud Midseason Evaluation:
Leadership Grade: A
Becoming the face of the franchise is grueling work. Especially for rookie quarterbacks. Unsuccessful seasons give struggling General Managers first dibs at incoming talent. First-round picks are exchanged for the best college athletes. Their skills do not always guarantee success. An unsuccessful campaign gave the Texans the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They exchanged it for Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.
An impressive start to the season is reassuring for Texans fans. Their team is performing better than expected after years of disappointment. C.J. Stroud's poise on the field is a great sign for Houston's offense. It's helped his teammates build trust in their inexperienced peers. Relationships with his teammates helped Stroud become a leader in the locker room. They use special handshakes to celebrate successful plays. It's a step towards building better connections on the gridiron.
C.J. Stroud's arrival removed the dark cloud surrounding NRG Stadium. He welcomes challenges that come with leadership. No.7's faired well and is unphased by high expectations.
Houston Texans: C.J Stroud Midseason Evaluation:
Passing Grade: B -
First-round quarterbacks expect to make an immediate impact. They must help them jump-start a rebirth in a short amount of time. C.J. Stroud is meeting expectations. He's played well through the first half of the season. Houston's rookie ties ninth in passing touchdowns (9) and fourth in passing yards (1,660). Victories against the Steelers, Jaguars, and Saints showed glimpses of greatness. Stroud remained even keel against stout defenses - resulting in wins for his team.
Accuracy and pocket awareness are areas of improvement for DeMeco Ryans' quarterback. He ranks forty-second in pass completions (59.6). It's a part of the growing pains of learning new offenses. Houston manages to win games despite a few incompletions. Stroud's earned a 73.3 offensive grade this season and limits turnovers (1). The Texans have time to improve flaws in mechanics.
Houston Texans: C.J Stroud Midseason Evaluation:
Game Management Grade: C
Winning in the NFL requires more than talent. Consistency is vital throughout four quarters. Bobby Slowik's offense has a hard time keeping their rhythm. The Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts took advantage of a sluggish unit. John Harbaugh's squad shut down Houston early and often. Stroud protected the football when his team became desperate for points. His stat sheet remained unblemished but it did not result in a win.
A Week 3 victory against the Jaguars highlighted the rookie's precision. C.J. Stroud helped Houston outscore Jackson 17-0 before halftime. He threw two touchdown passes and earned an 84.3 offensive grading. The win gave the Texans their first divisional win of the season. Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers were next on the schedule. Stroud dismantled Teryl Austin's unit. He joined Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz on the short list of rookies to reach 300 yards in a game.
The Houston Texans are 3-3 heading into the bye Week. They rank third in the AFC South and must play well to rise in standings. C.J. Stroud is performing above average this season. He's had a handful of highlights with a fair share of mistakes. DeMeco Ryans expects him to develop as his career continues. Stroud deserves a B- for his performances thus far.
All statistics courtesy of pff.com