Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud couldn’t have wished for a better start to his NFL career. The 22-year-old played well in September and October but took his game to a whole new level in November, and the NFL has recognized his efforts by awarding him not with one, but two November awards.
No Quarterback Had More Wins in November
Stroud was named the AFC Offensive Player for November and his performances also earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month. The quarterback was crucial for the Texans in November as he guided them to a 3-1 record and posted 1,466 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.
He had an impressive 68.8 completion rate for the four November games and had more wins in the month than any other NFL quarterback. So, both awards were well deserved.
Another thing that makes the double NFL recognition so special is the fact that Stroud is now only the second rookie QB to be named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. Deshaun Watson managed to do the same in October 2017.
Reigniting the Texans’ Playoff Hopes
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised Stroud for having the ability to keep his composure when things were spiralling out of control. Ryans said that C.J. impressed with his “calmness in the chaos,” and complimented the quarterback for never wavering and for always being confident he was going to make plays.
The Texans’ chances of making the playoffs were pretty slim before November. However, they now boast a 6-5 recordand still harbour hopes of making the postseason thanks to Stroud. They are currently second in the AFC South, trailing two games behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a record of 8-3.
