EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHOUSTON -- C.J. Stroud's five-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday punctuated a hot start for the Houston Texans' quarterback.Stroud & Co. were dominant in their 44-22 win, as he tied a career high in passing touchdowns to go with 384 yards passing, tied for his second most in a game. Stroud promised himself to "enjoy" his Week 9 performance rather than immediately moving on."I beat myself up a lot when I don't do great, so I'm going to enjoy this and celebrate with my friends, family and teammates because I know what it feels like to throw a couple interceptions," Stroud said. "So, you need to be positive towards yourself. Something that playing the quarterback position has taught me about life is that everyone could view you one way, but all that matters is how God views you and how you view yourself, so I'm grateful that God has allowed me to have some tough skin and be able to push through some tough times."Days like this come from being on the other side when you're not playing so great."The Texans' 3-5 record isn't because of poor quarterback play. Through eight games, Stroud has had his strongest start to a season. He has completed 64.2% of his throws for 2,251 yards, 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions, while posting a 104.8 passer rating, and he's on pace for career highs in passing yards and touchdowns.Coach DeMeco Ryans said the fuel for Stroud's high-level performance is "confidence.""You see the growth, you see the maturity in C.J.," Ryans said. "He's a top quarterback in this league because of that, because of his steadiness in the pocket, his resolve, his great energy all day. And he's having a phenomenal year, phenomenal year, and he's definitely deserving of all the recognition that he should get."Against the Chargers, Stroud spread the ball to all of his playmakers -- with receivers Kayshon Boutte and Tank Dell each going over 100 yards.Dell finished with 105 yards and a touchdown in only his second game since missing 25 straight after sustaining multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in December 2024.Boutte, whom Houston acquired during the late stages of training camp, had 125 receiving yards with two touchdowns, marking his first outing of the season with at least 100 yards."It's fun to watch, fun to watch him spin it," Ryans said. "He's thrown it to a lot of different people, which is what I'm most proud of. Everybody's getting the touch, and the guys are showing up and capitalizing on the opportunities that they do get."The Texans' offense ranks 11th in yards (356.5) and ninth in points per game (26.1), and a majority of that production is from their quarterback, who's back to playing how he was during his historic rookie season in 2023."I'm getting more opportunities, and I'm taking advantage of them," Stroud said. "I think our receivers are doing a great job of blocking their tails off, and our run game is opening up now. It all has to do with a little of everything, but I'm really just grateful that I'm on this team, playing for this city and able to play this great game."
