In a league brimming with talent, the Houston Texans have pulled off something no other team can claim in 2023: they’re home to two players who sit atop their respective positions in Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, with an electrifying 85.2 grade, and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., dominating at 88.1, have not only rewritten the narrative for a Texans franchise on the rise but have also sent shockwaves through the NFL. This isn’t just a stat—it’s a statement. Houston is building something special, and fans across the league should be buzzing about what this means for the future of football in Texas.
Let’s break it down. C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, didn’t just step into the NFL—he stormed in. His 85.2 PFF grade places him above every other quarterback in the league, a feat made even more jaw-dropping considering he’s a rookie. Stroud’s poise under pressure, pinpoint accuracy (completing 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns), and ability to elevate an offense that was scraping the bottom of the barrel a year ago scream franchise cornerstone. He’s not just throwing darts; he’s rewriting expectations for what a first-year QB can do. Picture this: Stroud, cool as ever, dissecting defenses with the kind of swagger that makes you wonder if he’s secretly been in the league for a decade.
Then there’s Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 overall pick in the same draft, who’s carving out his own legend on the defensive side. His 88.1 PFF grade as a defensive end isn’t just good—it’s elite, topping all players at his position. Anderson’s relentless motor and knack for disruption (7.5 sacks, 45 pressures, and 22 tackles for loss in 2023) have made him a nightmare for offensive coordinators. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just chase quarterbacks—he haunts them. Together, Stroud and Anderson represent a rare double-threat: a team with the best at two of the game’s most critical positions, both under 24 years old and locked in for years to come.
Why does this matter? Because it’s not just about numbers—it’s about potential. The Texans, a team that won just three games in 2022, flipped the script with a 10-7 record and a playoff berth in 2023. Stroud and Anderson were the catalysts, and their PFF dominance underscores their impact. No other team in the NFL can boast this kind of positional supremacy in 2023. Not the Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes. Not the 49ers with their stacked roster. Not even the Eagles, who’ve been a juggernaut in recent years. Houston stands alone, and that’s a storyline that should have every football fan leaning forward in their seat.
But what makes this duo so special? It’s the synergy. Stroud’s ability to control games with his arm and brain means the Texans can play with leads, unleashing Anderson and a ferocious defensive front to pin their ears back and hunt. Conversely, Anderson’s chaos-creating presence gives Stroud shorter fields and more opportunities to sling it. It’s a perfect storm, and the stats back it up: Houston ranked top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency in 2023, a balance few teams achieve. Add in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ steady leadership and a front office that’s clearly hitting on high draft picks, and you’ve got a recipe for something that could shake up the AFC for years.
Let’s talk engagement, because this isn’t just a Houston story—it’s an NFL story. Imagine the debates raging on social media: Is Stroud already a top-five QB? Can Anderson become the next Aaron Donald-level disruptor? Fans, you’re watching history unfold. The last time a team had this kind of young, position-leading talent, names like Peyton Manning and Reggie White were involved. That’s the company Stroud and Anderson are keeping. And with the Texans facing a brutal 2024 schedule—matchups against Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo loom large—these two will have plenty of chances to prove they’re not just stats on a page but game-changers on the field.
