Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Receives High Praise from Super Bowl-Winning Veteran

The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have participated in joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams as they gear up for their final preseason game.

The Rams and the Texans will face off Saturday, but not before the two signal callers got a taste of what the other is capable of.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud received high praise from LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford

After seeing Stroud up close and personal over the last week, Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford had good things to say about the second-year QB.

Stafford was addressing the press when he explained that Stroud plays with a “calm aggression.”

Stafford, who is a 15-year veteran and a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has been in the league long enough to recognize talent when he sees it.

Stroud and Stafford are both considered “gunslingers” at the quarterback position. Stafford’s high praise of Stroud seems to come from a place of familiarity on the part of Stafford. Although Stroud was given a much more favorable situation upon entering the league, it is clear Stafford sees some of himself in Stroud,

Part of Stafford’s praise illustrates what makes Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud great

One notable portion of Stafford’s praise revolves around the jargon he used to explain why Stroud’s first preseason touchdown was more impressive than the casual fan might think.

The Texans were utilizing a dagger concept, which is defined by an in-breaking route coming from the outside receiver. The defensive coverage was “3 buzz,” which means the safety on the side of the in-breaking route is supposed to come down right to where that route is supposed to be.

The safety does this, but Stroud’s confidence and arm strength allow him to fit the ball in the window regardless. The confidence and arm strength of Stroud allows the Texans to make a huge play that would’ve otherwise not been possible.

Stroud expressed the mindset behind this style of play in an article from Sports Illustrated.

“Man, Steph Curry don’t ever stop shooting,” Stroud said,  via the Texans’ official website. “I’m going to keep letting it ride. And I’ve got no shame in my game. I’ve definitely got to be smarter. No confidence is taken away from me. I’m going to keep letting it fly.”

Many QBs across the NFL can properly read a dagger concept and make the throw to the right person, but only a few can make the read and still whip one into the window regardless of what the defense is doing. The opposing coaches had the right play called and the defenders did what they were supposed to do, yet the Texans still ended up with a touchdown.