CJ Stroud, entering just his second season in the NFL, is making waves and winning hearts. Drafted second overall by the Houston Texans, the former Ohio State quarterback quickly solidified his spot on the roster. From his rookie season onward, Stroud has been a revelation.
Last season, Stroud led the Texans to an improved record of 26-3 and clinched the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. As the Texans’ OTAs (Organized Team Activities) began, Stroud’s performance had fans and analysts, including Pat McAfee, in awe.
CJ Stroud’s Spectacular No-Look Pass
Stroud, at just 22 years old, is adding new dimensions to his game. Among his new arsenal of tricks is the no-look pass, famously associated with Patrick Mahomes. During a Tuesday OTA session, Stroud executed a no-look pass to receiver Robert Woods, completing it flawlessly. This impressive feat quickly circulated online, capturing the admiration of both fans and experts.
🫣🫣🫣 pic.twitter.com/R7Qb105nll
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 21, 2024
Pat McAfee, renowned NFL analyst, expressed his astonishment on his show, the Pat McAfee Show. “This C.J. Stroud dude, this thing’s a beauty too. Nonchalant dart, no look -this dude, I hate him. I hate him,” McAfee exclaimed. “He shouldn’t be that cool. Shouldn’t be that easy. Shouldn’t be that good of a leader. Shouldn’t have that high football IQ. Shouldn’t have a team around him that’s all of a sudden great.”
The no-look pass, while not new to the NFL—with players like Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, and Aaron Rodgers also attempting it—is regularly executed by Mahomes, and Stroud is now joining this elite group with style.
Patrick Mahomes’ Favorite Quarterbacks to Watch
While Mahomes is often hailed as the best quarterback in the league, he too has his favorite QBs. On “First Things First,” Mahomes shared his top quarterbacks to watch, listing Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen first, followed by none other than the Texans’ rookie, CJ Stroud.
“I like watching Josh [Allen] a lot,” Mahomes revealed. “We play a lot of similar opponents. He plays a similar style of football that I do. I always watch what the Bills do and try to take from things that he does. I like watching C.J. Stroud a lot now. He’s been out there, and he’s making plays happen, and then I would say probably Joe [Burrow].”
Stroud’s performance in his rookie season left no doubt about his capabilities. He led Houston to the top of the AFC South, marking their first divisional round appearance since 2019. With 23 touchdowns, 319 completions, and only five interceptions, Stroud earned a Pro Bowl spot.
The Rising Star: CJ Stroud’s Impact
CJ Stroud’s stunning rookie season and his latest no-look pass showcase his remarkable potential. As he gears up for the upcoming season, the anticipation around him is palpable. His performance is not just making headlines but also redefining expectations for young quarterbacks.
Stroud’s ability to execute such advanced plays this early in his career is a testament to his talent and work ethic. His connection with receivers, leadership on the field, and strategic understanding of the game are turning heads across the league.
As Stroud continues to develop, the comparison to other greats like Mahomes becomes more relevant. Both players exhibit a similar flair and confidence on the field, making them captivating to watch.
The Future of NFL with CJ Stroud
CJ Stroud is not just the future of the Houston Texans but also a potential future star of the NFL. His skill set, combined with his drive and determination, positions him as a player to watch closely. The upcoming season promises more jaw-dropping moments from Stroud, and if his current trajectory continues, he might soon be mentioned among the greatest in the game.
Stroud’s journey is just beginning, but his impact is already significant. As he masters more plays and gains experience, the young quarterback’s potential seems limitless. The NFL is in for an exciting ride with CJ Stroud leading the charge.
