C.J. Stroud Returns with Brilliance and Guides the Texans to Victory
Quarterback C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans to a crucial divisional victory over the Indianapolis Colts, marking his triumphant return after a concussion. In his first game after the injury suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, Stroud proved his worth.
Stroud completed 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards and suffered an interception in the Texans’ 20-16 victory. Despite the interception, coach DeMeco Ryans was optimistic about his quarterback’s performance, anticipating continuous improvement in the coming weeks.Stroud admitted to feeling “a little rusty.” After leading Houston to a field goal on the first offensive series, the Texans’ offense had two three-and-out series, including an illegal pass. Then, Stroud threw an interception. However, Stroud and the Texans responded with an eight-play, 67-yard drive that culminated in a four-yard rushing touchdown by running back Nick Chubb, putting Houston up 10-6. After the interception, Stroud led Houston to 17 points, finishing the day with a total of 364 yards.Overall, for him, upon returning and not having played in a few weeks, he did a very good job. If this is his starting point, he can only improve. I’m excited to see how he continues to progress.
DeMeco Ryans
An area where Stroud shined was against the blitz, averaging 12.9 yards per attempt, his second-best mark in a game this season. Wide receiver Nico Collins was one of those who benefited from these plays. Collins finished with 95 receiving yards and a rushing touchdown, becoming the second player this season to achieve such a feat. He also became the second player in Texans history with 95 receiving yards and a rushing touchdown. I’m glad my dog is back, you only have one brain, you have to take care of it. Getting back to the game he loves, there’s no better feeling than that. Houston’s one-point victory was their fourth straight after losing five games at the start of the season. The Texans (7-5) are now one game behind the lead in the AFC South, behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Colts, both with an 8-4 record. The Texans’ chances of winning the division increased, while the Colts and Jaguars maintain good odds. Next week, the Texans will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a crucial game.It’s a great victory. A great game. I think I played very well. I think that in every opportunity I had with the ball, I made the right decision. There are a couple of plays I want to get back. But I think I did a very good job taking what the defense was giving me. I think with the type of team we have, I don’t have to be Superman all the time.
C.J. Stroud
