Three eye-popping stats that prove Texans QB C.J. Stroud is the real deal

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has quickly captured the league's attention with his strong play only a handful of games into his career. However, for those unconvinced by the eye test, here are three incredible stats proving Stroud is the real deal. 

Domination through the air: After throwing for 336 yards in a Week 11 win (21-16) over the Arizona Cardinals, Stroud has recorded 300 or more passing yards in five games this season. Heading into Week 12, Stroud and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagoviola remain tied for the most 300-yard passing games in the NFL, with five apiece. 

Stroud has surpassed 300 passing yards in three straight games, throwing for 1,162 yards and eight touchdowns. Unsurprisingly, the Texans are 3-0 over Stroud's impressive stretch. 

Winning at a historic rate: No one gave the Houston Texans much of a chance at competing in 2023. However, they're in the thick of the playoff hunt 11 weeks into the season largely due to Stroud's emergence, which also has the QB posting wins at a historic rate. According to CBS Sports, Stroud is only the second QB in the common draft era to record a winning record through 10 starts, joining former Indianapolis Colts star Andrew Luck. 

Don't look now, but the Texans have won three in a row and four of their last five. At 6-4, they trail the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) by only a game. 

Already making a home in Houston: Stroud has made himself right at home at NRG Stadium, where he's racked up 1,695 passing yards in five games. Per OptaStats, that's the most by a quarterback through five home starts in NFL history. 

Stroud has led the Texans to a dominant 4-1 mark at home, throwing 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. In Houston's four home wins, they've outscored opponents by a combined score of 110-72. 

The Texans budding star didn't have his best day on Sunday, throwing for two touchdowns and a career-high three interceptions. However, his response to the poor throws should excite Texans fans as much as his impressive stats. 

"Steph Curry don't ever stop shooting, I'm gonna keep letting it ride," Stroud said via Ari Alexander of NBC Houston. "Definitely got to be smarter -- no confidence is taken away from me. I'm going to keep letting it fly."