C.J. Stroud, the college football star, had to cross the campus gates and enter the real world of a ruthless, fiercely competitive pit.
Coleridge Bernard “C. J.” Stroud IV, born October 3, 2001, was an all-star at his college at Ohio State. He earned several accolades, breaking several records, which included 573 passing yards in a single game and being the first player to throw for six touchdowns three times.
With much dedication and consistent performance, he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021 and 2022. He led the Ohio State Buckeyes to the fourth seed in the College Football Playoff. Stroud exhibited the best performance of his college career, recording 348 yards and four touchdowns in the Peach Bowl game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
And hence, deservedly so, Stroud was the second overall pick by the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But the real game can be the test of many things that the rookie player was not prepared for. At his first-ever professional football match on Saturday night, he got a slight reality check; to be honest, it is a needed jolt for improving oneself. His misfire to the fellow rookie Tank Dell cost the team an early 3-0 deficit for Houston.
This was the rookie’s orientation with his “NFL moment,” and there’s only moving upward from here on. Stroud also took it as a good sport as he joked, “I think we had a pretty decent day offensively, except for me.”
He further elaborates on his experience at his debut match and the wave of emotions he went through–
“It was kind of funny. I was talking to my mom about this. It feels like every first game I’ve had in my career has been a rainy game.”
“Back in college and in high school. … I got to work through it. It was good to be in that type of element. That’s NFL football. Those harsh environments, and how do you handle it. I feel like if I had gotten more at-bats and gotten to be out there a little more, I definitely think I would’ve gotten in a better rhythm, but they wanted to protect me and make sure I was alright. So they pulled me out, and it was what it was. I won’t ever go against the coach or anything like that.”
“I think that as I just keep growing, keep building, keep getting more reps and game live reps under my belt, the better I’ll become.”
But the Texans team fans were apprehensive about Stroud’s role in the next match. However, it is confirmed that C.J. Stroud will play the next match against the New England Patriots in their NFL preseason opener on Thursday.
Is C.J. Stroud Playing in Today’s Preseason?
The Houston Texans Team coach, DeMeco Ryans, is expecting C.J. Stroud to start at the center for the preseason opener against the New England Patriots on Thursday. The Texans have to face one of the most successful NFL franchises of the century. As if this wasn’t enough pressure, C.J. Stroud as a quarterback, will challenge Bill Belichick’s patented defense.
Stroud’s mid-performance in his debut game might hamper his QB1 spot, going up against 2022 starter Davis Mills. Considering his potential, fans are still rooting for Stroud to bounce back in the next match.
The NFL scene has already encountered a stain in its integrity when another rookie player Henry Ruggs was sentenced to 3 years in prison for driving under the influence, killing a young woman.
What is your take on Stroud’s performance? Do you think he can lead the team as a Quarterback?
Can he face the Patriots, or is it too soon to put such pressure on the rookie?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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