After Texans upset, C.J. Stroud proves he's on franchise QB trajectory

In a 37-17 upset against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft wowed. He completed 20-of-30 passes for 280 yards and two TDs, including a 68-yarder to rookie wideout Tank Dell. 

Furthermore, the Texans starting offensive tackles, Laremy Tunsil (knee) and Tytus Howard (hand), were injured. Yet Stroud looked poised, impressing former Texans star and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt.

"It's very early, but C.J. Stroud is a rookie quarterback who's playing without the majority of his offensive line, under heavy pressure, and yet he's been poised, confident and in control," Watt wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Again, it's early, but Houston has to be excited right now."

Stroud performing at a high level with a weak supporting cast is relevant because it shows the 21-year-old holds the talent to carry a franchise. 

"Everything starts with the QB, and we have a good one," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said in a post-game news conference. "If he keeps his mindset the way it is, he'll continue to improve and be a really good QB in this league." 

The Texans probably won't make the playoffs or win the AFC South this season since they're still rebuilding after failing to win five or more games for three consecutive seasons. 

Nonetheless, the trajectory of Stroud should give the franchise hope. If he continues to progress, he will become the savior the organization covets, possibly lifting it out of the NFL's abyss.