Texans HC DeMeco Ryans: CJ Stroud 'special' in big-time moments

The Houston Texans (10-7) couldn’t have possibly asked for more out of their 2023 No. 2 overall pick, quarterback CJ Stroud.

Stroud has impressed all season long but reached a new milestone in Saturday’s 23-19 Week 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts (9-8). With the win, Houston clinched its first playoff berth since 2019 and Stroud became just the fifth rookie in NFL history to reach the 4,000-yard passing milestone.

Stroud was at his best in crunch time, leading the Texans on a 12-play, 73-yard game-winning scoring drive in the fourth quarter. The drive took 7:13 of game time, and Stroud went 7-of-7 for 80 yards.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans used the word “special” to describe the 22-year-old signal-caller.

“CJ doesn’t surprise me,” Ryans said after the game, via DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “We talked about it earlier in the week with CJ being special in these big-time moments when you need it most. To step up and make plays. He’s done it time after time throughout the entire year. It’s not surprising. That’s who he is. He’s one of the best passers in this league. And he shows it consistently, game in and game out.”

Fellow Texans rookie credits CJ Stroud for success

In total, Stroud further solidified his case for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, completing 20-of-26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He finishes his rookie regular season campaign with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and a passer rating of 100.8.

“Without [Stroud], we don’t accomplish half of the things that we have,” rookie defensive end Will Anderson said. “Man, [No.] 7 has been phenomenal for us. Everybody in this building appreciates having him and is blessed to have him here. We just got to give all credit to 7. His personality affects everybody in this locker room. His attitude and energy bleed through the whole locker room. It makes everybody want to step up and keep playing better.”