Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Teammates on C.J. Stroud: 'I think he's gonna be the best of all time'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/14/24

C.J. Stroud's teammates believe he's flashing immense potential in an epic rookie season.

"I think he's gonna be the best of all time," backup quarterback and 11-year veteran Case Keenum told The Athletic's Kalyn Kahler. "Like, he truly has the ability to be that way. I know, it's very early to say that sort of stuff. But, man, he does some stuff that is just out of this world."

While it's too early to tell if Stroud will fulfill this bold claim, it's fair to say the QB is having one of the best rookie seasons in league history.

C.J. Stroud so far:

▪️The first rookie to ever lead the NFL in passing yards per game

▪️1 of 3 QBs ever to lead the NFL in passing yards per game and TD-to-INT ratio in the same season (joining Tom Brady and Joe Montana)

▪️Became the youngest starting QB ever to guide his team… pic.twitter.com/B1gG8Ps92u
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 14, 2024

On Saturday, the 22-year-old became the youngest QB to win a playoff game. In a 45-14 victory against the Cleveland Browns, the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft completed 16-of-21 passes for 274 yards, three TDs and an exceptional 98.4 QBR.

Stroud strikes again

: #CLEvsHOU on NBC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jM781VisSx pic.twitter.com/gduspoao8V
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2024

"C.J. is the reason why we're in this position," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said postgame, via ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. "He's a special young man and special player and continues to shine. No matter how big the moment is, our whole team is leaning on him, and he has the shoulders to carry the weight."

In the divisional round, Houston will face the AFC's No. 1 seed, the Baltimore Ravens, or the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions. Even if the Texans get eliminated, they should feel great about their future. Selecting a rookie who already looks like an elite passer is a win, and if they continue to build around him, they will become a legit Super Bowl contender.

Don't be surprised if the former Ohio State Buckeye wins Offensive Rookie of the Year. According to Fox Sports, he's favored (-850) to win the award.

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