The Houston Texans have been one of the NFL’s better up-and-coming stories this season. That’s in large part thanks to the efforts of promising rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has elevated a Houston team many thought would struggle to compete in a rebuilding season.
Entering Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, the efficient Stroud had the opportunity to make some eye-opening history. To date, through four games, Stroud hadn’t thrown an intersection in 151 passes. Provided he’d get 26 more completions without a pick, he’d officially break Dak Prescott’s rookie record to start a career.
Of course Stroud reached the necessary 177 passes early in the third quarter. That’s just what special signal-callers do.
C.J. Stroud now has 177 passes to start his career without throwing an interception – a new NFL record.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 8, 2023
It’d be one thing if Stroud were just avoiding big plays and checking down to his receivers to get this record. But that couldn’t be further from the case. At the time of this writing, he’s got over 1400 yards passing, six touchdown passes, and is averaging eight yards per pass attempt. So he’s gunning it downfield and putting it in accurate places only his playmakers can reach.
It’s early, but it’s pretty apparent the Texans have found a difference-making young quarterback in Stroud. Watch out, NFL.
This is how Twitter reacted to Stroud's record
Congrats to C.J. Stroud for breaking Dak Prescott's record for most consecutive passes thrown without an INT to start his career.
I mean who would've thought that an "interception-prone QB" would even hold that record in the first place?
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) October 8, 2023
Stroud is a beast the qb who should have went 1st overall. https://t.co/UFx9ouyh3v
— TANK FOR CALEB (@CubsJeff) October 8, 2023
Oh he’s good GOOD https://t.co/JqILeMdWfn
— Swift (@SwiftYouTube_) October 8, 2023
C.J. Stroud off to a historic start! pic.twitter.com/NnINLbrilb
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 8, 2023
C.J. Stroud has been incredible so far 😳🙌 pic.twitter.com/1zxXrpsRIQ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 8, 2023
Literally every game this guy is breaking a record.
Do not deny CJ Stroud his greatness. https://t.co/R781abvPgl
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) October 8, 2023