When we speak on football in the state of Texas, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the Dallas Cowboys. Despite America’s team being the consensus darling for many, let’s not forget about what’s happening 3 hours and 28 minutes south of Dallas in the city of Houston.
Under new head coach and former Texans player DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have surprised many this year. They not only have won the AFC South with a 10-7 record, but Houston dominated the Cleveland Browns at home during the Wildcard game to the tune of 45-14. This was the Texans’ first playoff win since 2019. CJ Stroud has played outstanding football this year as a rookie, not to mention becoming the youngest QB to ever win a playoff game at age 22.
Stroud was selected as the #2 pick in the first round, going to Houston, and what a move that turned out to be. His regular season numbers were quite impressive as the rookie threw for 4,108 yards, 23 TDs, and only 5 picks. Stroud had a 63.9% completion percentage during the regular season and looked like a poised veteran in his first playoff game. He went 16-21 for 274 yards and 3TDs against a Browns defense who many thought would shut down the Texans offense.
All the athleticism, maturity, and accuracy he displayed at Ohio State became even more alive in his rookie campaign in the NFL. Stroud is in the running for NFL Rookie of the Year, and he has my vote based on his brilliant play. The scary thing for the rest of the league is that Stroud is only a rookie and has so much more time to learn and develop his skills.
Houston is one of the younger teams in the NFL, and Stroud’s on the field chemistry with his receivers hasn’t gone unnoticed. His favorite target has been Niko Collins, who has 80 receptions and 1,297 yds during the regular season. Stroud has shown the ability to look off defenders and throw the football with pinpoint accuracy. He’s very poised in the pocket and can also use his legs to make plays under duress.
First year head coach DeMeco Ryans has shown leadership and confidence in his team. This is no surprise coming from the 49ers coaching staff, particularly
under the great Mike Shanahan. Ryans joined the Niners staff back in 2017 as an inside linebacker’s coach, eventually getting the nod to Defensive Coordinator in 2021. He now runs the ship down in H-town, and it’s sailing rather smoothly at this point and time. If the Texans can remain healthy and grow under the leadership of DeMeco Ryans, this team will continue to raise more than eyebrows. There’s a great possibility that The Lombardi Trophy may be lifting off in Houston sooner than later.