The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of only 12 teams in the NFL to reach the 10-win mark during the 2023 season, yet their year was still full of disappointing losses. From getting blown out in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, losing games to two-win teams later in the season like the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, and also being picked apart and embarrassed by rookie CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. The 2023 season was certainly a rollercoaster of highs and lows for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Gave Stroud The Belief That He Could Win MVP
Stroud was the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a rough preseason, and the expectations weren't too high for him and the Texans prior to the kickoff of the 2023 season. They were starting a rookie quarterback, and they also had hired a first-year head coach in DeMeco Ryans. The Texans wound end up stunning the NFL world, as they won the AFC South and made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Stroud spoke about finding himself in the conversation for MVP in his rookie year following his beatdown of Pittsburgh on The Pivot Podcast.
"That wasn't my goal, to like kill the rookie records, I wanted to be the best in the league, I wanted to be MVP. I told my boy Caleb after we played the Steelers, he was like 'man you definitely going to get that Rookie Of The Year' or something like that, I said, 'That's cool, I want the MVP.' Since I missed two games I kind of got out of the race, but it's all good, I got next year."
Stroud had one of the best games of his rookie season against Pittsburgh as he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns while beating the Steelers 30-6. It wasn't the best statistical performance ever, but Stroud looked so calm and poised. It seemed almost easy for him. That Week 4 beatdown was what made Stroud realize just how good he could be at the NFL level, and that he has what it takes to be recognized as one of the best in the league.
Stroud didn't end up winning the NFL's MVP Award; instead, it went to Lamar Jackson, who would have been hard to beat even if Stroud stayed healthy for all 17 games. Stroud missed two games towards the end of the regular season with a concussion.
He came back from his head injury and essentially won three playoff games. He won in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, which gave the Texans a chance at the AFC South title in Week 18. He then beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 in a win or go home game that would decide the winner of the division.
Stroud led the Texans to the NFL playoffs as the four seed, just one year after the team had a record of 3-13 and held the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. Stroud and the Texans didn't just make the playoffs, they dominated in their first playoff matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Stroud threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns in his playoff debut while delivering a 45-14 victory.
Stroud's rookie year would end the following week in the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens. He went on to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award, and he likely would have gotten a few first place MVP votes had he stayed healthy the entire season. He has a long time to capture that award, and he has the Steelers to thank for making him believe he could win it in the first half of his rookie season.
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