Texans Rookie QB CJ Stroud Credits the ‘Hard Lessons He Learned’ as a Stepping Stone to Early NFL Success

C.J. Stroud is currently one of the most talked-about players in the NFL. Making his debut just a month ago, the young Houston Texans quarterback has hit the scene fairly quickly. His ability to protect the ball and make high-volume throws has caught the pundits’ eyes. With his vision and economic passing, he already has over 1,200 passing yards, a 100.6 passer rating, and six touchdown throws after his first four NFL games.

However, according to Stroud, it was not always bread and butter for him to settle down. Stroud learned a few lessons the hard way in his first two games, eventually propelling him toward maturity. Stroud recently revealed the story to Pat McAfee.

C.J. Stroud has his takeaways from early struggles

In the latest episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Stroud detailed his life and lessons since his first game with the Texans. The hosts were understandably impressed with the quarterback’s impact in such a short time. Pat McAfee especially liked that he could protect the ball better against the opposition than other rookie QBs. But when asked about that, the young quarterback had a rather humble answer.

Read more: $36.3 Million CJ Stroud Is Standing Up for the Texans & His Numbers Outperform Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts & More

“Of course, like everybody sees my numbers and see what’s what I’m doing, but it’s the guys around me. My O-line, if you’ve seen, we’ve had four different groups of O-line in four games, and the guys who constantly rotate in and they’re battling, they’re fighting their tails off in,” Stroud said.

Stroud went on to say how he initially faced hard tackles for keeping the ball too long. “In those first two games, I was holding on to the ball, and I wasn’t really getting it out. And as I’m learning, man, holding the ball just gives the defense another chance to hit you and hurt you. And they don’t want you, they want the ball. So, that was a hard lesson I learned,” said the young QB about his takeaways.

Stroud’s effect eventually has been prosperous for the Texans as they have leveled the season record. After their first defeat in the hands of the Ravens, the Texans went down against the Colts but then won two straight games against formidable opponents. Still, there’s a long way to go.

What’s next for C.J. Stroud and the Texans?

A lot, if you’ve been keeping an eye on the AFC South lately. With every team having a 2-2 record in the season, the AFC South is arguably the most unpredictable division in the league right now. There’s no clear winner, and there’s no clear loser either, as everybody is a contender. In the given context, one single loss or win can put the Texans on the tabletop or at the bottom.

The Texans next visit Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, taking on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Week 5 game. It will take place on Sunday, October 8, and will be crucial in deciding the rest of the season for the Texans. It will also be a potential stage for C.J. Stroud to solidify his position as one of the greatest rookie quarterbacks ever. Keep your eyes on the young sensation.

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