Many who have watched C.J. Stroud in his first two games believe the Texans have found the second franchise quarterback in team history.
And just about everyone who knows anything about the NFL understands it’s much easier to build around a franchise quarterback than build a team lacking that elusive franchise quarterback.
It’s not so much Stroud’s terrific statistics in losses to Baltimore and Indianapolis that have convinced us Stroud is going to solve the problem at the most important position on the team, but also the way he conducts himself when he’s under pressure and getting besieged by a relentless pass rush.
Whether Stroud is being forced to get rid of the ball from the pocket in a split second, rolling out by design or running for his life while being pursued by linemen and linebackers, he shows remarkable poise and delivers the ball with uncanny timing and accuracy.
Stroud, who has all the characteristics of a bona-fide leader, is 58-of-91 (63.7 percent) for 626 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t thrown an interception, and his rating is 91.2.
The Texans’ other undisputed franchise quarterback, Deshaun Watson, was 1-1 after his first two starts in 2017. Watson, selected 12th in the first round after general manager Rick Smith traded up with Cleveland, completed 37-of-57 (66.6 percent) for 426 yards and two touchdowns in his first two starts against Cincinnati and New England. He had two interceptions and an 84.4 rating.
Keep in mind, Watson made his first start in the second game of 2017 – one season after the Texans won the AFC South and lost at New England in the divisional round of the playoffs. They tired of quarterback Brock Osweiler after that season, shipped him to Cleveland, elevated Tom Savage into the starting role for one game and then turned to Watson, whose season ended prematurely because of a torn ACL suffered in practice.
In DeMeco Ryans’ first season as the coach, Stroud has taken over a team that combined for 11 victories over the last three seasons and has undergone a massive rebuild. Something that continued to stand out in Sunday’s 30-21 loss to the Colts was the way Stroud operated the passing game despite playing with a sore right shoulder and behind an offensive line deprived of four starters because of injuries.
Even though he was under constant pressure and had to get rid of the ball in a hurry, Stroud finished with 30-of-47 passes (63.8 percent) for 384 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His rating was 103.5.
“This kid is made of all the right stuff (and) our team’s happy to have him on board,” Ryans said. “C.J. is a very good processer – a smart quarterback. He’s not going to make the same mistake twice.
“He’s able to grow within games. That’s one thing I like about him. He knows his mistakes, and he knows how to correct them on the fly. It’s encouraging when you see a rookie quarterback who’s able to take steps in the right direction.”
On Friday when he was added to the injury report, Stroud didn’t know if he would be able to play. On Sunday morning, he wasn’t sure how he would play. Turns out he played very well under extenuating circumstances. Asked about drawing strength that’s helped him overcome adversity during his playing career, Stroud pointed to family members sitting in the back of the Texans’ auditorium during his post-game interview.
“Where I come from, I don't have (any) pity for myself,” he said. “I don't want anyone to feel bad for me, but the odds have been stacked against me since I was a kid. I think God has put a special plan in my life, and I think he's not done with me. I have a lot more – not just football -- but a lot more life to live (and) give to people.
“That’s something I want to keep doing and be better at – just giving. Like giving my thoughts. That's why I sit here and explain things so detailed to you all (media) because I think it means something. Coming from a place like Ohio State, coach (Ryan) Day was hard on me, and I appreciated it.
“I didn't like it at first, but as it kept going and I kept fighting every day -- sometimes fighting against what he was saying -- I learned the hard way, but now I'm seeing what he was implying. I would get myself in turmoil and then start listening to great people (I) trusted. And I trust my family (and) my coaches.”
Stroud understands the obligations and accountability that go with being a franchise quarterback selected second overall.
“People are depending on me, and I love that responsibility,” he said. “Pressure is a privilege. A lot of people don't get to live the life I do. It's hard, but it's a privilege. I'm blessed enough to wake up every day to walk, talk, smell, interact with people (and) to play football. These are things we take for granted on a day-to-day basis, but I try to do my best to thank God for all that.
“This is bigger than just ball. If I have to use football for my purpose to spread the gospel and the life of Jesus Christ, I'll do that, but at the same time, I want to win, too. That's why I’m going to keep fighting my tail off.”
Unlike his two seasons as the starter at Ohio State, Stroud’s going to have to deal with losing. Knowing his character, he’ll handle it and learn from it. He’s disappointed at the 0-2 start but excited about the possibilities as the team improves in Ryans’ first season.
“No one said it was going to be easy,” Stroud said. “I think the hope we brought the city from the draft, the offseason moves and everything, it got the buzz going. I think that was great, and I think it should continue because this team, we're a couple plays away from winning a lot of games. I don't think it should be easy.
“That’s something I took from college -- it's going to be hard early, and as you keep going, you keep banking mental reps. Like, ‘Okay, I've seen that coverage. I've seen that blitz. I'm going to put that in the back of my mind for next time.’
“Sometimes, you don't need a next time (because) you get it the first time, and you kill them. Every week, I’m trying to take a step. I think I've taken a huge step from last week, just from operation in the huddle to understanding clock management to all those little things.
“I think we have what it takes to win games. If we put it together earlier (in games), then we won't be in a tough situation toward the back end. I'm not happy right now, of course, because we lost, but I definitely think we've done a lot of good things. Once we play together as a team, watch out, man.”
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday, Thursday and Sunday on Texans Radio, also on SportsRadio 610. He writes five columns a week and does three Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.