Behind C.J. Stroud's Return, Texans Inch Closer To Postseason

Jordan's trip to the end zone wasn't the only thing to return on Sunday, as Stroud's presence alone changed the attitude of the offense back to its former glory. Under Case Keenum, the Texas offense sputtered. 

Stroud, who finished 24 of 32 for 213 yards and a touchdown, wasn't perfect, but the Texans weren't looking for that. Instead, the team was in need of consistency. 

Challenge complete on all three phases. 

"I felt like I was back to normal by my first drive," Stroud said. "The first pass we completed and from there on I felt fine. I felt great. I was seeing it really well and was making the right reads. 

"We had a good plan of getting me back in the drive of things."

Jordan, who finished with two catches for 19 yards, mentioned how having the right 11 players out on the field does wonders for a team's persona. When one player adds a little extra in practice, players rally behind them into battle. 

For Jordan, Stroud is the "extra" player. From little details in practice to conversations in the huddle, he's the engine that keeps the offense moving. 

"That's my dog," said Jordan. "We were so happy to have him back." 

Stroud, the inside favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, only knows success in Houston. Jordan, who's closing in on his third year, knows defeat and far too much of it. 

The Texans, who secured their first winning season since 2019, won more games this past fall than in Jordan's first two seasons. Houston's also averaging 23.8 points per game, nearly eight points higher than Jordan's previous two years with Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills splitting reps. 

Jordan understands how big Week 18's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts is to playoff seeding and what a win could do for the franchise's future. He credits the "swarm mentality" as part of the culture shift internally. 

"There's really no words for this," said Jordan. "I'm just so hyped. The last two years have been tough for everybody in this locker room, but to be in this position and possibly go to the playoffs, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."