Even the most optimistic of Houston Texans followers likely didn’t see this start coming. After defeating the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, the Texans have a record of 3-3, putting themselves squarely in the playoff picture in the AFC as one-third of the 2023 regular season is in the books.
A big reason for the team’s success this season has been the play of rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, has easily been the best signal caller of this year’s class despite many analysts saying otherwise coming into it.
Bryce Young, who went No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, was touted as the most NFL-ready. Anthony Richardson, who went No. 4 to the Indianapolis Colts, was thought by many as having the most upside with his never-before-seen blend of size and athleticism.
But, through Week 6 of the season, it is Stroud who has performed at the highest level. He threw his first interception of the season against the Saints, but it didn’t rattle him. The Ohio State product ended up throwing two touchdowns in the game, helping lead his team to victory.
While a lot of the focus has been on his performance thus far this season, Stroud made sure to mention his teammates when Kristina Pink talked to him after the game. He talked about how tough they are and how well things fit together in the early going.
A lot of people questioned the Texans’ strategy in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they acquired the No. 3 pick from the Arizona Cardinals to select Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. No one is questioning it any longer as Houston has quickly turned things around after three embarrassing seasons.
The franchise has a pillar to build around on both sides of the ball in Stroud and Anderson. DeMeco Ryans looks like a home run hiring at head coach after firing their last two hires after one season apiece. For the first time in a long time, things are looking up for the Texans.
