CJ Stroud Continues to Impress as Texans Prepare for Saints

When the Texans selected CJ Stroud out of Ohio State, the selection came with obvious high expectations, being that it was the second overall pick. Although at 2-3 five weeks into the season, many within the Texans organization are pleased with his success and the team's results. The offense under Stroud has looked more than capable, even with an understaffed group of weapons.

Stroud has shown to have great composure when playing the position thus far. He is one of two qualified starters, along with 49ers QB Brock Purdy, with at least 100 passing attempts without an interception. Stroud also comes in fourth in passing yards with 1,461 to go along with seven passing touchdowns. These numbers speak for themselves, but they have played a considerable part in getting the Texans two big wins against Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. In those two games, he posted two touchdowns passing in each and over 280 passing yards in both.

It has been a great start to the season for CJ, and one, as mentioned, that should be pleasing to the Texans officials. Like every rookie QB, however, he has had some mishaps. Stroud's accuracy has been a glaring issue so far. Pro Football Focus has him tied for first in bad throw percentage and also has him slotted at ninth worst in on-target throw percentage, two categories you do not want your starter to be in. One thing that I must mention in Stroud's favor is the pressure he's faced. Stroud has been hurried the second most times in the league on dropbacks. He has also the fifth most hit and pressured of all Quarterbacks. A turbulent pocket is hard for any QB to deal with, let alone a rookie.

CJ Stroud's ups and downs thus far have shown what many thought we would see from him coming out of the draft. Stroud is an immediate starter who sometimes struggles with accuracy and placement but can make all the throws. He will look for another game to build upon this week against the incoming Saints. New Orleans' defense has proven stout this year; it should be a real test for the young QB.