After CJ Stroud led the Houston Texans to a narrow win over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10, the whole NFL world is convinced that the rookie should be in the MVP talks. In fact, even Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and former superstar Richard Sherman are both in agreement the youngster deserves to be in that conversation.
Stroud came up big for the Texans once again–like he did against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9–orchestrating the game-winning drive that saw them take the 30-27 win. With the Bengals tying the game at 27-27 via an Evan McPherson field goal, Stroud had less than two minutes to put his team back up. But it didn't bother him at all, throwing big passes to Dalton Schultz and Noah Brown to put them in field goal position.
Matt Amendola sealed the deal for Houston with the game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired. After the game, all eyes were naturally on Stroud and how he maintained his composure to power the Texans to victory.
The Rookie of the Year frontrunner completed 23 of his 39 passes for 356 yards and one touchdown against just one interception. The QB also had one rushing touchdown to help the Texans improve to 5-4 on the season.
Following the game, Shannon Sharpe had nothing but compliments for CJ Stroud, even noting that he could actually become the first rookie to also win MVP since 1957.
“CJ Stroud has played the best QB in the NFL this season. Yes, he's been that good and I said it. Go argue in a cave with your echo. Could become 1st rookie 2 win MVP since J. Brown in 1957,” Sharpe wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Richard Sherman, for his part, shared the same belief that Stroud has propelled himself in the MVP discussions. The one-time Super Bowl champion also heaped praise for the 22-year-old QB's ability to make those around him better.
“CJ Stroud is going to work himself into the MVP conversation! This team was supposed to be a few years away from contending! He is elevating those around him. Noah Brown 6 Rec. 150yards,” Sherman wrote.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay couldn't help but comment about Stroud's performance as well, adding: “CJ Stroud should be in the MVP conversation.”
These are certainly massive praises for Stroud, but sure enough, they aren't without any merits. His body of work in just his first year alone definitely warrants some MVP considerations. Remember, the Texans finished at the bottom of the AFC in 2023 with a 3-13-1 win-loss-draw record. But now, they have surpassed that mark and are even in contention for a postseason spot.
The Texans are only behind the 6-3 Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. And it's not hard to see them fighting for the top spot considering how well they have performed, especially in clutch situations.
CJ Stroud's clutch gene in display vs. Bengals
After Stroud powered the Texans to the victory over the Bengals on Sunday, head coach DeMeco Ryans also talked about how clutch his QB has been for the team. Ryans shared his insights what makes the signal-caller so good in such high-pressure situations, noting that he isn't fazed by such big moments.
“It's the calm in the chaos. The moment isn't too big for him,” Ryans highlighted.
As for Stroud himself, that trait Ryans mentioned was abundantly clear as the QB discussed his mentality entering the Week 10 contest. While the Bengals are more experienced, Stroud never thought that they were underdogs.
“We came in with a belief that we wouldn't be denied,” Stroud shared.
True enough, as early as now, Stroud already has the mentality of an MVP.
Follow Us
Subscribe