C.J. Stroud impressed Kirk Herbstreit and everyone else watching Sunday’s historic effort.
The quarterback set a single-game rookie season by throwing for 470 passing yards in a 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stroud tossed four of his five touchdowns in the second half, finding fellow neophyte Tank Dell for a game-sealing score in the closing seconds.
Herbstreit loved what he saw from the fellow Ohio State alum.
“Are you SERIOUS?? CJ Stroud just led the
Houston Texans
to a game-winning drive!! With 46 seconds left needed TD down by 4,” Herbstreit wrote. “Throws for a TD with 6 seconds left. CJ threw for 470 yards and 5 TDs! This kid is a STAR!”
Are you SERIOUS??
CJ Stroud just led the @HoustonTexans to a game winning drive!!
With 46 seconds left needed TD down by 4. Throws for a TD with 6 seconds left. CJ threw for 470 yards and 5 TD’s!
This kid is a STAR!— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 5, 2023
After three consecutive seasons with three wins or fewer, the Texans have found their new franchise cornerstone.
Stroud has 2,270 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception in his first eight NFL games. The No. 2 pick should be a clear Offensive Rookie of the Year front-runner after Sunday’s breakout game.
Herbstreit saw plenty of greatness from Stroud throughout his college career with the Buckeyes. He threw for 85 touchdowns in two seasons as Ohio State’s starter, finishing each as a Heisman finalist.
The broadcaster won’t get an opportunity to call one of Stroud’s games on Thursday Night Football. Houston doesn’t have any primetime games scheduled for this season, but the young quarterback has quickly transformed the team into appointment viewing.
Stroud will oppose another star quarterback with Ohio State roots when Houston plays the Cincinnati Bengals next weekend.