NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year debate: Puka Nacua vs C.J. Stroud; 2 stellar rookies making their mark
By Beau Adams
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The C.J. Stroud Chronicles: A Stellar Rookie Season and a Fight for the Coveted Title
C.J. Stroud, the young quarterback from the Houston Texans, has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Akin to a comet streaking across the NFL skies, he's been lighting up scoreboards and breaking records along the way. However, a particular rookie receiver in Tinseltown is hot on his heels, turning the battle for the NFL Rookie of the Year into an enthralling contest of wills and skills.
#Texans QB CJ Stroud so far this season:
— DFA Football (@dfafootball1) January 2, 2024
3,844 Yards ✅
21 Touchdowns 🤩
5 Interceptions 🔥
99.0 RTG 🏈
Is he Offensive Rookie of the Year? ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/8EtUA1Z6ew
Stroud's stellar season: An overview
Stroud's impressive run began in Week 9 when he shattered the single-game rookie record with an outstanding 470 passing yards and five touchdowns, leading the Texans to a nail-biting 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After this record-setting performance, his odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) plummeted from -150 to -500.
In the following weeks, Stroud continued his offensive onslaught, accumulating a league-high 3,631 yards. His stellar performances saw his odds for the coveted Rookie of the Year title shorten further to an astonishing -2000.
However, the road wasn't always smooth for our young quarterback. In Week 14, he had to leave the field during a game against the New York Jets due to a concussion. Despite this setback, Stroud held on to his pole position in the OROY race.