C.J. Stroud notched his second game with 300-plus passing yards as the Houston Texans preserved the enshrinement of former defensive end J.J. Watt with a 30-6 victory Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The Texans inducted the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year at halftime into the team’s ring of honor. Stroud’s 306 passing yards and two touchdowns were bulwarks that ensured no Houston fan would go home disappointed.
Stroud went 16-of-30 with a 111.2 passer rating and took no sacks. The No. 2 overall pick also extended his streak to 151 attempts without an interception to start a career, padding an existing NFL record.
Nico Collins benefits
The former 2021 third-round receiver was the primary beneficiary of Stroud’s handiwork with seven catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Collins has now produced as many 100-yard receiving games through the first four weeks than the Texans had all last season from any receiver through 17 games (two).
Under pressure
Houston’s defense limited Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett to 15 completions on 23 attempts for 114 yards and an interception. The Texans’ pass rush dropped Pickett three times, including on a fourth down early in the fourth quarter to knock the second-year signal caller out of the game. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard led with 2.0 sacks for Houston. Cornerback Steven Nelson also intercepted Pickett early in the first.
What's next?
The Steelers (2-2) go home to host the Baltimore Ravens, who demolished the Cleveland Browns 28-3.
Houston (2-2) goes on the road to play the Atlanta Falcons, who will be coming straight from London where they lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-7.
