Texans' young stud can now play much more freely after first-half mistake

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Oct 15, 2023 4:30 PM EDT

Houston Texans New Orleans Saints C.J. Stroud — Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans star quarterback, C.J. Stroud, made a mistake in Week 6 vs. the New Orleans Saints, but it needed to happen.

C.J. Stroud, who is the front-runner to win the Rookie of the Year Award, broke an all-time NFL record. He passed Dak Prescott and several other great quarterbacks for the most passes to start a career without throwing an interception, with 177 straight. That's more than impressive, to say the least.

On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, he threw his first of the season, which ended the streak. However, it was almost a good thing, in a way.

As a rookie, the game is already hard. As a rookie quarterback, the game is extremely hard and comes at you fast. For Stroud, he has handled everything amazing. However, at times, he looks a bit stiff still. That's the rookie effect.

Now, we may not have to worry about that.

The interception came on the opening drive, where he also threw a touchdown on the same drive. Yeah, you read that right. Stroud threw the interception, but the Texans offense forced a fumble on that defender shortly after and recovered the ball.

However, throwing that interception may have been great for him. Now, he doesn't always have to worry about that in the back of his head. Now, he doesn't have to "play it safe," as he can let loose a bit.

Now, the Rookie can play free. We saw that a bit after, too. He was craft inside and outside of the pocket. He was doing things that we have wanted to see more of. So, sure, no one wants to throw an interception. However, now that the record breaker and setter threw his first, things will come easily, even more easily than before.