CJ Stroud has done more than just take over as the Houston Texans’ quarterback — he’s completely flipped the script for the franchise. In just a year, Stroud transformed the Texans from an underwhelming team to one of the most exciting in the NFL. His presence has been a total game-changer, making Houston a playoff contender almost overnight. We’ll explain how Stroud has transformed the Texans and why people consider him one of the league’s best young quarterbacks.
CJ Stroud’s Immediate Impact: Turning the Texans Around
When CJ Stroud stepped onto the field, things changed for the Texans — and fast. Houston needed a spark after a few rough seasons, and Stroud delivered. The Texans went from a team that barely won games to one that now competes with the best. NFL on CBS broadcaster Ian Eagle, who covered many of Stroud’s rookie-year games, was blown away by what he saw.
“I had a bunch of his games last year, and to be honest, I was blown away,” Eagle said. As he prepares to call the Texans’ Week 3 game against the Vikings, Eagle has no doubt that Stroud is the real deal.
Eagle saw what makes Stroud different from other young quarterbacks: poise, maturity, and leadership. “I saw someone that was cool under pressure. I saw a natural leader out there on the field,” Eagle added. “Everybody on his team was feeding off of him, and he was only a rookie.”
CJ Stroud show love to one of his favorite coaches in Kevin O’Connell as well as the city of Minneapolis and their fans 🫡💯 pic.twitter.com/3Cy2mZ2G7V
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 20, 2024
Stroud didn’t just manage games as a rookie — he commanded them. He stepped into a leadership role that usually takes years to develop, and he did it immediately.
CJ Stroud From Being A Rookie To MVP Contender 
Stroud didn’t just have a promising rookie year, he had a historic one. He completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards, tossing 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His 100.8 passer rating ranked him among the league’s best, and he led all quarterbacks in passing yards per game (273.8) while keeping his interception rate at an insanely low 1.0%.
Stroud also became the highest-drafted rookie quarterback (No. 2 overall) to win a playoff game. His 4,108 passing yards ranked third-most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. What’s even more impressive? Stroud is only the third quarterback in 50 years to lead the NFL in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.6), joining the elite company. Stroud dominated against winning teams, throwing 21 touchdowns to just two interceptions (10.5 ratio) — a stat unmatched in NFL history.
By the end of his first season, people weren’t just talking about Stroud as a potential Rookie of the Year. They mentioned him in MVP conversations, almost unheard of for a first-year player.
CJ Stroud’s Great Start In Year Two
Some quarterbacks hit a wall in their second season, but not Stroud. So far, he’s picked up right where he left off. Through two games in year two, Stroud has already completed 69.1% of his passes for 494 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. His 104.7 passer rating is proof that his rookie success was no fluke. With Stroud leading the way, Houston has started the season 2-0, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down.
Eagle, who’s seen plenty of quarterbacks rise and fall, isn’t seeing any signs of a sophomore slump in Stroud. “It’s only two games into year two, and some people believe in sophomore jinxes, but I’m not seeing it,” Eagle said. “I’m just seeing a continuation of all those skills and a conviction of how he plays. There’s competitiveness there, and his ability to read defenses is on another level.”
Stroud isn’t just surviving the NFL grind, he’s thriving, and Houston is reaping the benefits.
Stroud’s Success Puts Pressure on NFL GMs 
CJ Stroud isn’t just changing things for the Texans; his success is making general managers across the league take notice. Landing a franchise quarterback is the dream, but as many teams know, it’s easier said than done. Stroud’s instant impact in Houston has raised the bar for what GMs need to accomplish when drafting their future quarterback.
Let’s put it in perspective: from 2020 to 2022, the Texans managed just 11 wins. Stroud has already led Houston to 13 wins in his first 21 games (including the playoffs). That’s an incredible turnaround.
“I don’t know if C.J. Stroud’s success is putting more pressure on general managers,” Eagle explained. “But I do know it’s a reminder that in this league, you can improve quicker than in other professional sports. It’s been proven — if you make smart personnel decisions in the NFL, you can get much better in a year or two.”
Kansas City set the standard when they drafted Patrick Mahomes, and now Houston has found their own Mahomes in Stroud. His rise may not pressure GMs, but it pushes them to up their game when looking for a franchise quarterback.
