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CJ Stroud reacts to throwing first NFL TD for Texans

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nikki Chavanelle | Last updated 8/28/23

Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud managed to close out his first preseason on a very high note, first, by throwing his first touchdown, then by earning the starting job from head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Stroud found wide receiver Nico Collins on a three-yard pass for a touchdown in the second drive of the game versus New Orleans. After the game, the former Buckeyes star reflected on his very first score in the league.

“It was something I worked for and earned,” Stroud said. “It’s a blessing.”

“It was really cool to connect with Nico,” Stroud added. “We work hard. Actually, we got that rep after practice on Friday like three or four times, just getting it down. So for it to pay off and for us to get a touchdown off of it was definitely cool to see.”

In the narrow win over the Saints, Stroud completed 2-of-4 passes for 16 yards and a score. One of his pass completions was to new Houston tight end Dalton Schultz for 13 yards on third down.

CJ Stroud throws his 1st TD to Nico Collins!

: #HOUvsNO on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/624TrfDUF6 pic.twitter.com/FotAW7rSeG
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2023

Texans running back Dameon Pierce also shared his reaction to the rookie finding the endzone on Sunday.

“You know it’s going to boost his confidence up,” Pierce said. “I’m just excited to see what he can do in terms of continuing to develop and continuing to build off tonight.”

In the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, Stroud completed 2-of-4 passes for 13 yards and an interception. He saw more playing time against the Miami Dolphins, completing 7-of-12 passes for 60 yards.

Texans open 2023 season versus Baltimore

When Houston opens the 2023 season against the Baltimore Ravens, Stroud will have his work cut out for him. The Texans are taking on former league MVP, quarterback Lamar Jackson on his turf. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 10.

The Texans nabbed Stroud with the No. 2 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He went behind former Alabama standout Bryce Young.

As the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Stroud owned a 21-4 record. During his time in Columbus, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns in two years as the starter. He also maintained a 69.3% completion rate.

After taking their new starting quarterback, Houston surprised by also drafting defensive end Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall. In preseason appearances, Anderson has three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble already.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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