Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is coming off one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. After what just happened to Bryce Young in Carolina, the Stroud pick is looking better with each passing second.
By all accounts, Stroud has handled everything perfectly both on and off the field and figures to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks for years to come.
Having said all of that, some people thought Stroud was out of line when he attempted to mentor Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams following Houston’s 19-13 victory this past Sunday night.
Williams, the first-overall pick in April’s draft, is off to a very rough start in his young NFL career. In a way, his poor play is to be expected. However, some Bears fans are alarmed at just how lost Williams has looked.
Embracing after the game, Stroud felt the need to share some big-brother advice to Williams. The exchange was caught by on-field mics.
“Good job out there, bro. Hey, stop taking those hits,” Stroud told Williams. “Look, come here. Learn from those mistakes and everything that you got, bro, is in you already. You’re going to be a hell of a player in this league.”
This gesture of sportsmanship came from a player who knows firsthand the challenges of adapting to the NFL.
Stroud, now in his second season, was the second overall pick in the 2023 Draft and had an ultra-impressive rookie campaign with the Texans, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He made history by setting records, including the most passing attempts without an interception to start a career (191) and the most passing yards by a rookie in a single game (470).
Williams, however, is off to a much slower start than expected after entering the league with enormous expectations.
The former USC standout and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has faced significant pressure early on. Most quarterbacks go through plenty of early struggles, and Williams seems to be no different.
After the game, Williams acknowledged the physical toll he’s been under, due largely in part to Chicago’s shaky offensive line.
“(I’m) a little bruised up. You know, I took a couple hits today,” Williams said. “I’m gonna get into the ice tub and do all the things I need to do to make sure that my body’s ready for tomorrow, practice on the other days, and obviously the next game.”
Of course, the criticism of Stroud is uncalled for. Again, he’s universally respected for his attitude and work-ethic and was merely trying to help Williams with his words of encouragement.
Some people feel that Stroud, being only 6 months older than Williams, isn’t in a position to give such advice.
Others feel like it was Williams who was out of line since he didn’t seem too open to listening to Stroud. (However, you can’t blame him for that. After all, he’s seconds removed from losing a heartbreaker.)
What is your take on the situation???