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Texans' CJ Stroud hits O-H celebration after touchdown run

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•11/13/23•

NickGeddesNews

CJ Stroud
Katie Stratman | USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans’ (5-4) 30-27 Week 10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) Sunday marked the first time rookie quarterback CJ Stroud played a football game in the state of Ohio since Aug. 26, 2022.

The former Ohio State standout capped off his return to the Buckeye State by leading the Texans on a six-play, 55-yard game-winning drive in the final 1:33 of the game. But before Stroud got around to guiding Houston to another game-winning drive for the second straight week, the 22-year-old was busy pulling off the celebration of the week earlier in the fourth quarter.

Stroud flashed the “O-H” symbol for Ohio after finding his way into the end zone on an 8-yard run.

Stroud’s performance certainly was reminiscent of his time at Ohio State — a fruitful two seasons which made him the No. 2 overall selection in this past April’s NFL Draft. Stroud completed 23-of-39 passes for 356 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His dazzling showing came one week removed from a historic performance in the 39-37 Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5), in which he became just the sixth player in NFL history to throw for at least 450 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions, joining a list which includes Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Y.A. Tittle.

CJ Stroud continues to put up historic numbers for rookie QB

Stroud is now up to 2,626 passing yards this season, which is the third-most through a quarterback’s first nine starts in league history. He trails only Justin Herbert in 2020 (2,699) and Andrew Luck in 2012 (2,631).

“The thing about C.J. is the calmness in the chaos,” head coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game. “He doesn’t waver. He’s confident that he’s going to make plays and the moment’s not too big for him.”

Ryans added: “[CJ]’s played in a lot of big games at Ohio State. He’s been under the bright lights before. He’s made big plays. So, he doesn’t get wide-eyed when the moment comes.”