The Houston Texans’ lose but CJ Stroud looks incredible

The Houston Texans suffered a setback in a 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday that throttled them again right into a mosh pit of five-loss groups within the AFC. However, not all losses are created equal. Wins are utilized as a quarterback stat too frivolously, but all through his rookie season, CJ Stroud has proven how in a different way he’s constructed. He’s been knocked down a peg from the blistering scorching begin the place he produced a rookie file for landing yards and most cross makes an attempt with out an interception to start a profession, but he nonetheless walks on rarified air.

Sunday was a microcosm of how a lot coronary heart CJ Stroud’s obtained in him. And I’m not speaking concerning the completely choreographed landing celebration homage to Baby Boy the Texans endzone manufacturing performed out after his dashing rating within the second half.

The Jags knocked Stroud round like they had been Jody and Sweetpea within the park. But Stroud by no means flinched. His means to take a lick and carry on tickin’ must be evaluated by Sport Science, if that’s nonetheless a factor. It is sensible in the event you look at his backstory. Stroud isn’t your typical Ohio State quarterback. At each degree, Stroud has been something but a positive factor. In highschool, he was a late bloomer who rose up the rankings after a robust displaying at a Nike sponsored occasion earlier than his junior 12 months in opposition to the highest prep quarterback prospects within the nation.

A 65-yard deep bomb to Tank Dell on the Texans opening drive was wiped away by a pre-snap unlawful formation penalty. The day was filled with performs that had been inches away from including a Winto the Texans win column. It’s one factor to make these performs in September, main by a couple of touchdowns, but he rose above the mixed stress from the Jags front-seven and a tense battle for playoff positioning heading into November.

His first landing of the night was solely probably as a result of he pirouetted exterior the pocket, scrambled and gave Dell an early Secret Santa present within the endzone. Dell’s seventh landing of the season made them solely the primary quarterback-receiver duo in NFL historical past to attain that many in a single season.

Trailing by 10 factors late, Stroud constantly made performs in opposition to the division-leading Jaguars protection that ought to have resulted in a Texans protection. The risk of Stroud operating opened up Nico Collins for an untouched gallop into the endzone.

On the ultimate drive, Stroud was dropped for a 15-yard loss, then instantly fired a laser to Collins that picked up 17. Even with out these performs, Stroud threw for over 304 yards, two touchdowns, not together with a 3rd rating on the bottom and 47 yards scrambling. His knack for purchasing time and selecting up first downs whereas getting battered by the Jaguars cross rush was awe-inspiring. The Jaguars manhandled Stroud all through the fourth quarter, but each time he obtained knocked down, he activated hero mode and fired again with a strike to maintain Houston alive.

Ultimately, the Texans ran out of steam on a remaining play wherein Stroud prolonged the play behind the road of scrimmage, but was unable to seek out an open receiver. Faced with a fourth-and-12, DeMeco Ryans opted to try a 56-yard area objective that might push the sport into additional time. Ammendola’s kick hit the crossbar, but the Texans shouldn’t cling their heads.

Considering the stakes, it’s incredible to do not forget that Stroud was going throw for throw with Trevor Lawrence. Two years in the past, Lawrence was a phenom and the undisputed primary general decide all through the draft analysis course of. His rookie season was an entire mess. Stroud has revitalized the Texans after the calamity of a company they resembled on the finish of Deshaun Watson’s tenure. Houston’s child boy is rising up quicker than anybody anticipated. If any younger rookie starter can bounce again, it’s CJ Stroud.

Follow DJ Dunson on X: @cerebralsportex