Despite Texans' 0-2 start, rookie C.J. Stroud is flashing franchise QB potential

Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has completed 58 passes through his first two starts, second in league history behind Bengals QB Joe Burrow (60). He's also thrown for 626 passing yards, fifth for a rookie.

During a 31-20 loss against the Colts on Sunday, four starters on the Texans offensive line were sidelined with injuries. Nonetheless, Stroud impressed, completing 30-of-47 passes for two TDs and the most yards (384) in Week 2.

"Man, he's special," Texans right guard Shauq Mason said of Stroud after the loss, via ESPN's DJ Bien Aime. "There's positives from C.J.'s game. He has what it takes to take that leap and be a great QB in the league."

To make that leap, Stroud must improve certain areas of his game, specifically delivering the ball faster. Per Next Gen Stats, his average time to throw is 2.91 seconds, the ninth-slowest in the league. The 21-year-old has been sacked 11 times in two games, the most in the league, developing a quicker release will help him avoid them.

The rookie also acknowledged he must take less sacks, particularly in the red zone. 

"Got to not take sacks in the red zone and got to score in the red zone," Stroud said in a post-game news conference. "That was definitely the main reason we didn't put any points on the board. We were driving the ball pretty well, just got to finish those drives."

Regardless, the Texans should feel more confident about the QB's future. He clearly holds the talent and desire to improve, imperative qualities for a franchise centerpiece.