ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit seems to be all in on Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The morning after Stroud’s preseason debut, Herbstreit spoke to Sean Salisbury on SportsTalk 790 Houston about the Ohio State product.
Herbstreit said Ohio State coach Ryan Day would rave about Stroud’s willingness to learn the offensive scheme.
“In all of my conversations with Ryan Day, and he and I have a very good relationship, he’s never said, ‘We’re just trying to spoonfeed him,’” Herbstreit said, via Saturday Tradition. “Opposite. He’s always been impressed with his commitment to learn the offense. Always impressed with his ability to digest the offense, that never held Ohio State back in anything they ever wanted to do, was worrying about CJ Stroud and his ability to understand schemes, understand defenses, make decisions.”
Jalen Mills intercepts CJ Stroud on the opening drive!
📺: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/n0mO9fFwYJ— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2023
Stroud wasn’t great against the Patriots on Thursday night, completing two pass attempts for 13 yards with an interception. However, he sounded like a veteran during his postgame press conference.
“Got to make a play smarter and not put my defense in a bad situation, put them right in field goal range, and that’s my mistake,” Stroud said. “Even though I’m a rookie, still trying to play as a vet and play sound football and not only protect my offense but to protect the defense, as well.”
Stroud will have a chance to redeem himself next Saturday against the Dolphins.