“I for sure feel like CJ got the opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league.” Tank Dell’s words, not ours. Nowadays, it has become ever so impossible for athletes to track back on the statements they make in the presence of cameras. The Houston Texans‘ 24-year-old wide receiver’s ‘best QB in the league’ claims about his teammate CJ Stroud might have been a little too much. That’s nothing less than a bold statement to make. And now, a famous sports analyst took it into his own hands to let Dell know that no one can come close to Patrick Mahomes.
While speaking on ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast, on the 5th of July, Chris Broussard gave a reply to Dell. He said, “CJ Stroud is great. I liked him. And Tank Dell’s his teammate too, so obviously you should say something like that. But Imma say this. I think the best quarterback in the league is off the table for the next 7-8 years. Like it’s Patrick Mahomes.” The Fox Sports analyst was not in the mood to take no prisoners. It’s understandable.
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ star QB is operating on a different level. He is playing the position in a way that has never been played before in the history of American pro football. This is what was echoed by Chris on the podcast when he said that Mahomes’ rate of conversion is what sets him apart from the rest. “Patrick Mahomes, to me, he’s won at such a rate that I don’t think it’s even up for debate for the next several years.”
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In his rookie season, 2017, he only played a single game that year. But he introduced himself with a bang in the year following that. The Chiefs’ No. 15 was a treat to watch in 2018, his first year as the starter. He threw for 5,097 yards, with 50 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Arguably producing one of the greatest individual seasons we had ever seen from a QB.
So, off the bat, you would like to agree with Chris on this one. But if we look at Stroud’s numbers from the rookie season, they might put a good case for Dell. Texans’ jersey number 7 completed 63.9% of his passes with 23 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 15 games. Leading the NFL in passing yards per game and posting the lowest interception rate, he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Pro Bowl honors, and finished eighth in MVP voting.
Stroud’s numbers are great. But ‘the best QB in the league’ title is too far-fetched for now. However, the analyst has a word of advice for the 22-year-old.
What CJ Stroud needs to do to catch Patrick Mahomes?
Chris Broussard believes this is what the Texans’ up-and-coming QB must do to catch up to the Chiefs star. He said it’s Patrick Mahomes’ reign for the foreseeable future unless, “Houston, powered by CJ Stroud, becomes what Kansas City’s become. And, like, starting now!”
Chris believes that CJ must put his foot down and think bigger than winning the MVP next year. That won’t do. He must become the carrier of his franchise. Why, you may ask? That’s because his teammate believes he can be the best. So, to be the best, you have to beat the best.
Since winning the MVP in his first regular season as a starter, Pat Mahomes has led the Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship games. They have won four and lost two, with both losses coming in overtime. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances since 2018. He is one of five quarterbacks in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls as a starter.
These stats do not even portray the whole picture of the Mahomes dynasty and what he’s building. Do you think Mahomes Sr. calls him ‘Showtime’ just for fun? Think again.
Props to Tank Dell for acknowledging that there is a gap between CJ and Pat. But he didn’t explain that the gap was this huge! Never mind, Chris has done the honors for him.
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