This time the Houston Texans did not get 5 TD passes from rookie sensation C.J. Stroud. Instead, the quarterback took charge after the Cincinnati Bengals tied the score with a late field goal and he led the Texans on a game-winning drive on the road against an opponent expected to contend for the Super Bowl.

Stroud, as his nature, kept his cool and played with a steady hand after Evan McPherson had connected on a 31-yard field goal that tied the score at 27-27. The rookie signal caller led the improving Texans on a 6-play, 55-yard drive that culminated with a game-winning 38-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Ammendola on the final play of the game.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was once again impressed with Stroud's effort throughout the game, but particularly when the game was on the line. He credited Stroud with staying “calm in the chaos,” and he added that he does not get wide-eyed in big moments.

Stroud completed 23 of 39 passes for 356 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception and was able to lead his team to a win over Joe Burrow and the Bengals. After a slow start, Burrow completed 27 of 40 passes for 347 yards with 2 TDs and 2 interceptions.

A week ago, Stroud led the Texans to a 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by throwing for 470 yards with 5 TDs and no interceptions.

The Texans are one of the most improved teams in the league, and much of it is on C.J. Stroud's shoulders. The No. 2 pick in last spring's draft has driven his team to 5 wins in their last 7 games, and the Texans are clearly playoff contenders at this point.