Praising the rival team’s leader and not underestimating him is just the classic Lamar Jackson thing. The AFC’s number 1 seed Baltimore Ravens and their quarterback are heading to their first divisional round after their Bye Week. This time, they will be hosting the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 20, at M&T Bank Stadium. But ahead of the game, Jackson has something to say for his upcoming rival, CJ Stroud.

Stroud has already demonstrated his level of commitment and leadership by guiding the “underdogs” team into the playoffs in his rookie year. Following this achievement, there is no doubt about why he has been nominated for Rookie of the Year. And Lamar Jackson has nothing but praise for him.

What did Lamar Jackson say for CJ Stroud?

In a pregame press conference of the Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson talked about his current relaxed mood and eagerness as they approach Saturday’s playoff game. During the presser, he was asked whether he had seen the Texans’ last game against the Cleveland Browns, and what he thinks about the rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, as they are going to have a tough battle in the upcoming game. To which, Jackson replied, “I didn’t watch the game live, but from my experience he played better than I did from my rookie game, definitely.”

Jackson further highlighted Stroud’s throwing abilities and “making things happen,” accepting that the Texans’ rookie QB “did great.” When we compare the rookie stats of Ravens and Texans’ QBs, it comes out clear as to why Jackson said Stroud did better than him in his rookie season. In his rookie season in 2018, Jackson achieved 1201 yards for 6 touchdowns in 16 games for the Ravens. While, on the other hand, Stroud covered for 4108 yards for an impressive 23 touchdowns in just 15 games.

With a win in his last wildcard matchup, Stroud achieved something exceptional, placing his name in the NFL’s record book.

How good is CJ Stroud?

The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, CJ Stroud, has achieved numerous remarkable feats in the regular season. Be it making exceptional records or surpassing the renowned quarterbacks, Stroud has done everything in his rookie season. He has set the records for most passing yards (470) and tied the record for most passing touchdowns (5) in a single game with Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson. This remarkable performance happened in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, resulting in a close 39-37 victory.

Stroud continued his excellence in his NFL playoff debut, achieving 274 passing yards and 3 passing TDs on 16 of 21 attempts in a decisive 45-14 win over the Browns. By accomplishing this and winning a playoff game, Stroud surpassed Michael Vick’s record, becoming “the youngest starting QB in NFL history to secure a victory in a playoff game.” Furthermore, with this, he has almost ensured his win as the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

Read more: Jordan Love Matches C.J. Stroud, Almost Joins Peyton Manning and Terry Bradshaw While Making NFL History

The number 1 seeded Ravens are now going to face the fourth seed Texans on Saturday at 4:30 PM ET.

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