Just when the football-watching world was ready to rule out CJ Stroud, the Texans' sophomore quarterback reminded everyone of what he's capable of.
For most of his age-23 season in 2024, Stroud displayed wisdom and accuracy far beyond his years.
But his performance in the first half of the AFC Wild Card Round against the Chargers on Saturday was a completely different story.
Up until a certain point, it was completely different.
With 6:30 left in the second quarter, Stroud woke up just as Chargers punter J.K. Scott drove his pigskin boot to the Texans' 1-yard line.
The Texans' ensuing drive (13 plays, 99 yards in 5 minutes, 17 seconds) culminated with a 13-yard hookup between Stroud and regular-season favorite target Nico Collins, giving Houston its first of the tournament. The score was posted on the scoreboard. .
The touchdown pass was a six-count, but the highlight of the drive came minutes earlier, when Stroud, on third-and-16 from his own 17-yard line, found Xavier Hutchinson wide open 34 yards downfield. It was.
There may have been a lack of coverage and an open window, but it was a minor miracle that Stroud had the stamina and composure to get to the receiver there after fumbling the snap.
On the ensuing drive, the Chargers went 3-and-out.
Stroud and company took over the game with just 39 seconds remaining.
The Texans needed just 24 players.
Stroud completed two passes for 13 yards and added another 27 yards on the ground to bring the Texans within field goal range.
Kaimi Fairbairn completed the final shot from 41 yards out, giving the Texans a 13-6 lead going into halftime.
Stroud's stat line in the first two quarters was 14-for-23 for 180 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Considering his signal-caller's first 22 minutes of play and the changes in the first half, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans will no doubt accept that.
“CJ is the real deal, the real deal,” Lyons said earlier this week. According to the Associated Press. “It's not just here, it's in the locker room and around the players and that to me is leadership. As you evolve as a leader, you just get true to yourself.
“You don't have to make something up, you don't have to make up a speech, you don't have to make up something to say to a man. CJ will be CJ.”
