In an electrifying performance against the Arizona Cardinals, Texans QB CJ Stroud threw for 336 yards while securing two touchdowns. Even though Stroud was intercepted three times, his resilience paved the way for the Texans to a 21-16 victory.
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This was their third consecutive win and elevated their season record to 6-4. The rookie sensation didn’t just stop at the win; he threw his 17th touchdown of the season. A closer look at Stroud’s first-half stats against the Cardinals reveals the makings of a potential MVP candidate. With 259 passing yards, two touchdowns, a 120.0 QB Rating, and an impressive 75.0% completion percentage, Stroud left the fans in awe.
SUPERSTAR: #Texans QB C.J. Stroud in the first half
-259 passing yards
-TWO TOUCHDOWNS
-120.0 QB Rating
-75.0% completion percentage(h/t FOX) pic.twitter.com/N6ThWC9VmI
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 19, 2023
What sets CJ Stroud apart is that he’s the only quarterback to achieve the 250+ yards mark in a single half not once, but three times this season. This places the 22-year-old in a league of his own.
There have been 11 instances of a player throwing for 250+ yards in a single half this season:
C.J. Stroud has 3 such games.
8 other players have 1. #WeAreTexans @HoustonTexans @NFLResearch
— Tony Holzman-Escareno (@FrontOfficeNFL) November 19, 2023
The Texans continue to defy expectations, doubling their win total from the previous season. Stroud’s impact on the team’s success is undeniable. The rookie’s performances and record-breaking stats have ignited belief among fans, with many already touting him as a legitimate MVP contender.
MVP Odds of CJ Stroud
In just nine games, C.J. Stroud has transformed from a draft day question mark to the talk of the town, leading the NFL in yards per game. Fans, once skeptical, are now rallying behind him, with many already considering him the MVP. Let’s have a look at some of the best reactions from micro-blogging platform X:
This duo, my goodness: CJ Stroud to Tank Dell for a 40-yard TD.
There are MVP chants in Houston.pic.twitter.com/6b4G78Zbjh
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 19, 2023
His worst game is still better than most qb’s 😭😭 and ppl wanna say hes not MVP anymore
— Ankari (@HelesBestGirl) November 19, 2023
NRG just broke out in MVP Chants and It was LOUD
GIVE CJ STROUD WHAT HE DESERVES. pic.twitter.com/DD8Ec1F6mA
— Jacob (@Stroud4ROTY) November 19, 2023
Absolutely insane that CJ Stroud is in legitimate MVP conversations as a rookie.
We’ve never seen anything like him before. pic.twitter.com/YR5tGOx6ue
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) November 19, 2023
It seems he is trending to make it there. I would lean yes at some point
— Grant Hankins (@GHankins25) November 19, 2023
And despite CJ Stroud’s “worst game of the season”, he still moved into 5th in MVP odds. #WeAreTexans https://t.co/wWlYJEkag5 pic.twitter.com/PCVyJSc9uw
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) November 19, 2023
CJ Stroud is the MVP and the Texans are back
— Barstool Texas A&M (@BarstoolTexasAM) November 19, 2023
While Tank Dell is fun and all,
The reality is CJ Stroud is playing MVP level football with sub bar weapons
— Mason Dodd (@MasonDoddFFN) November 19, 2023
I love CJ Stroud. Bonafide baller. Forget rookie of the year we coming for that MVP trophy.
— Unbiased Ev (@DoubleVodkaDon) November 19, 2023
The MVP buzz for CJ Stroud gained momentum after his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in the previous week, where he not only solidified his standing in the Rookie of the Year race but also made room for himself in the MVP conversation.
However, Stroud remains focused amid the MVP hype acknowledging the recognition with humility. In a recent press conference, he expressed gratitude for the support and gave credit to the collective effort of the team.
With 2,962 passing yards and 17 touchdowns this season, Stroud’s stats speak volumes about his impact on the Texans. Currently, he holds the fifth-best odds for the MVP award at +1800, trailing behind established quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Lamar Jackson (via DraftKings Sportsbook).
Stroud’s odds could see a significant boost if he continues delivering standout performances such as against the Cardinals and potentially guide the Houston Texans to a playoff berth. The once-questioned rookie is now a serious contender for the league’s most prestigious individual honor.