Is Houston’s quarterback the second best in the NFL?
If you’re reading Battle Red Blog, odds are you already know how stinkin’ awesome Houston Texans sophomore quarterback C.J. Stroud performed in his rookie year. For those who don’t know, along with head coach DeMeco Ryans and a revitalized roster and coaching staff, Stroud led the formerly struggling Texans to the AFC South crown last year.
Now, the reigning champs are looking to their quarterback to take them even further this season.
This is the type of guy you HAVE to have at QB if you want to win
Stroud gets after the offense for bad mistakes and they immediately responded after with better play.
LEADER. pic.twitter.com/H1Wu2vlXzH
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) July 28, 2024
That’s exactly what the Houston faithful expect to see from Stroud. And, likely what his teammates and coaches expect as well.
It’s also what some in the national media are finally recognizing: Houston has an elite quarterback.
Keyshawn Johnson was spittin:
“Got Texans right behind the Chiefs in AFC”
Anonymous scouts & GMs are saying Diggs lost a step because “he’s not on your team” ️
CJ right behind Mahomes for MVP‼️ pic.twitter.com/P4GkdMAutS
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 28, 2024
General manager Nick Caserio did wonders building talent around Stroud. From Laremy Tunsil and the rest of the O-Line, to Joe Mixon and the running backs, Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz, this offense has the potential to explode all over the field.
Having Stroud take the next step in leadership, as well as having a year under his belt in Bobby Slowik’s offense, just means fans and rivals have yet to see how high this offense can fly.
Man @HoustonTexans TE Dalton Schultz dropped some GREAT insight on C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs and the Texans’ run game after practice Saturday. This is really good stuff Schultz told former Texans OC and current NFL Network analyst Pep Hamilton and me. pic.twitter.com/XnMLd5cKut
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) July 27, 2024
With all that in place, and the Texans strength of schedule, as long as Stroud can stay healthy, his chances of capturing that MVP honor is as real as it gets. If a heavy metal band like Gojira can open the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Stroud can certainly win the NFL MVP in H-Town.
And the wait for that campaign to start is almost over. This Thursday, August 1 at 7pm CST, Stroud and your Houston Texans take on the Chicago Bears in the 2024 Hall of Fame game. With Saturday’s Hall induction of Texans legend Andre Johnson, the first Texan to make it to the Hall, Stroud and his teammates have a little extra incentive to win what many consider a meaningless, exhibition game.
While we likely won’t see Stroud and the other starters on field for very long Thursday night, don’t be surprised if the game starts like this:
C.J. Stroud to Tank Dell — touchdown. Just like old times. pic.twitter.com/dORijF6mIk
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) July 27, 2024