C.J. Stroud 'had more responsibilities' as Ohio State quarterback than with Houston Texans

colin gay, columbus dispatch

Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 8:02 PM·2 min read

In his first NFL season, former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is heading to the playoffs.

Joining the Houston Texans as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Stroud helped his team to a 10-7 record and an AFC South championship. In his first NFL playoff appearance, Stroud will take on the Cleveland Browns at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

But Stroud remembers those who doubted him, referencing reports ahead of the 2023 draft about his S2 Cognition scores, which tests multiple skills for quarterbacks.

"I always say, the eye in the sky don't lie," Stroud said on 'The Pat McAfee Show' Monday.

I assume that S2 test is NEVER gonna be used again..

"The eye in the sky don't lie" ~ @CJ7STROUD #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nqV9RRpQKF
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 8, 2024

Under Ryan Day, who Stroud called a "world-renowned offensive coordinator" and play caller, quarterbacks must be knowledgable, even in a way he's not expected to in his current NFL role.

"You have to know everything," Stroud said. "I even had more responsibilities in college than I do now in this offense, in this scheme."

In two seasons as Ohio State's starting quarterback, Stroud completed 69.3% of his 830 pass attempts for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Stroud turned his Ohio State success into success with the Texans, completing 63.9% of his 499 pass attempts for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He leads the NFL in passing yards per game (273.9) and interception percentage (1%).

Stroud led the Texans to a 23-19 win Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts to secure the team's postseason berth.

After hearing about Stroud's responsibilities at Ohio State to what he's expected to do with the Texans, McAfee, a former Colts punter, admitted he's not excited about.

"That means you are only going to get better, which sucks for us," McAfee said. "They haven't even unleashed you completely."

Stroud and the Texans will take on the Browns at 4:30 Saturday on NBC.