“Got Innate Pocket Traits”: CJ Stroud’s Put in the Same League as Tom Brady After Stunning Playoff Display Against Browns

In a stunning playoff showdown, CJ Stroud, the sensational rookie quarterback, showcased his prowess by becoming the youngest QB to clinch a playoff victory. The Houston Texans soared to a commanding 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns, fueled by Stroud’s arm as he threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Stroud was not just any rookie; he was the second overall pick last April and etched his name as the highest-drafted rookie QB to triumph in the postseason.

With a masterful display against Cleveland’s defense, including impressive touchdown passes, Stroud is not only making waves in the playoffs but also emerging as the NFL Rookie of the Year nominee. As Stroud’s star continues to rise, the parallels with the NFL legend Tom Brady are becoming increasingly undeniable.

Chris Long applauds CJ Stroud: A quartеrback with Brady-еsquе “innate pocket traits”

During a recent episode of ‘Inside the NFL,’ former Patriots defensive end Chris Long expressed his admiration for Stroud’s innate pocket mobility traits, likening them to the qualities that make Brady an iconic quarterback.

“He’s got those innate pocket mobility traits, where he’s able to buy himself time his eyes are always downfield. And that’s a play caller’s best friend too, because he can get you out of a lot of trouble,” Long declared, reflecting on Stroud’s standout performance with the Cincinnati team. Drawing comparisons to another football sensation, Joe Burrow, Long emphasized Stroud’s unique ability to remind him of the ever-impressive Tom Brady.

Long explained how Stroud’s skills go beyond the typical quarterback duties. Describing him as an artist and a leader, Long highlighted Stroud’s off-field charisma, noting, “He’s got that third dimension kind of deal with the quarterback where it is not just what do you see where to go with the ball. He’s an artist too. He’s a leader. He’s having guys over to dinner every night. He’s got a chef at the house. I wish I was his teammate.” In fact, earlier in an interview, Stroud himself confirmed getting inspired by the GOAT, especially the way he treats his teammates.

CJ Stroud: Thе playoff prodigy taking another pagе from Brady’s playbook

Last October,  Stroud told ESPN’s DJ Biеn Aimе that Brady’s work еthic and his commitmеnt to tеammatеs deeply resonates with him еmphasizing thе importance of nеvеr lеtting his tеam down. “On TV and you look at (star quartеrbacks) and think, ‘Man and thеy’rе just so busy. Thеy can’t hang out with thеir tеammatеs,'”Stroud told ESPN. “Thеy’rе probably just lockеd in on what thеy got going. And (Brady) was likе and ‘I just nеvеr want to lеt my tеammatеs down.’ Hе said thosе words еxactly. I was likе and ‘Man and that’s how I am.'”

Read more: With Tom Brady’s Exit & $81 Million in Dead Cap, How Did Tampa Bay Buccaneers Turn Around Their Fortunes?

Stroud showed his dedication to his teammates during a preseason game when he was sacked. Instead of feeling discouraged, he motivated his teammates and demonstrated leadership qualities that are similar to Brady’s approach. With Stroud’s developing talent and leadership skills, Texans fans have reason to be optimistic. Stroud’s impact in Houston, combined with his admiration for Brady’s legacy, could pave the way for a successful future and potentially lead the Texans back to playoff football after a dry spell since the 2019 season.

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