There wasn’t a steep learning curve for Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, that’s for sure. In his first NFL season, the No. 2 pick picked apart opposing secondaries on a weekly basis.
However, Stroud didn’t really receive opposing defenses’ respect until Week 4.
In Week 3, Stroud felt disrespected by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He explained why during an appearance on “The Pivot Podcast” this Tuesday.
“I had so much respect for Jacksonville,” Stroud said. “I they kinda came in like, ‘Oh, this a rookie quarterback.’ That was the last time that happened. We played the Steelers the week after. They didn’t treat me like a rookie quarterback. The rest of the season I wasn’t treated like a rookie quarterback. They would just blitz me, blitz me, blitz me. I would pick it apart.”
The Jaguars will never underestimate Stroud again.
Thought this was interesting from CJ Stroud on @thepivot.
He talked about when the switch flipped for him & noted Week 3 against Jacksonville.
“I had so much respect for Jacksonville & they kinda came in like, ‘Oh, this a rookie QB.’ That was the last time that happened.” pic.twitter.com/F4WkhJ06o2
— Juston W. Lewis (@JustonLewis_) February 7, 2024
Stroud completed 20-of-30 pass attempts for 280 yards with two touchdowns in his first game against the Jaguars. He then had 304 passing yards and two touchdowns in his second meeting with Jacksonville.
The expectation around the league is that Stroud will be named Offensive Rookie of the Year later this week.