C.J. Stroud needs to be in the MVP conversation
The NFL MVP is an award that quarterbacks have dominated for the past ten years. However, that makes sense with the NFL becoming a passing league, meaning teams need quarterbacks who can throw the ball effectively.
So far this season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is favored to win it, followed by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While these are good optins for MVP, the quarterback who looks the best right now is Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
A rookie winning the MVP may seem impossible, but it has been done before. In fact, it was done by NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown in 1957. Brown won the MVP from the running back position with a total of 942 rushing yards and nine touchdowns back when only 12 NFL games were played. Obviously, we are in a different era now, but Stroud has really shown up this season.
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Stroud’s case for MVP starts with his sensational play throughout the first nine games of his career. So far he has thrown for 2,626 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions. Stroud’s touchdown to interception ratio is by far the best in the league, and few people are aware of that.
Stroud’s amazing stats are thanks in part to an offensive line that has provided clean pockets, allowing him to excel in advanced statistics like passing grade, yards per attempt, and touchdown passes.
Stroud’s phenomenal stats are thanks to his magnificent ball placement and timing.
His understanding of how the game works is very impressive. Not even Trevor Lawerence, a generational talent looked this good his rookie season.
Stroud has shown the ability to be clutch this season. So far, he has led two final drive comebacks. The latest of which was against quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. This was not only impressive because he beat a former Super Bowl contending quarterback, but this was also a road comeback showing that Stroud fears nothing.
Stroud’s success has led the Texans to a 5-4 record so far this season. This gives the Texans a shot to make a run at the playoffs, which seemed impossible going into the season after being the second-worst team last year. That just shows how big of an effect Stroud has had on the organization and strengthens the case for why he should be in the MVP conversation.
If Stroud continues his dominant play there is no reason he should not win Rookie of the Year and MVP this season.