HOUSTON -- Sunday's five-touchdown performance from C.J. Stroud against the Los Angeles Chargers 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 touchdowns to go with 384 yards passing, tied for his second most in a game. Week 9's performance was something Stroud promised himself to "enjoy" -- 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 might be 3-5, but it's not been because of poor quarterback play. Through eight games, it's the strongest start Stroud has had 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 currently 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 his 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 around to all of his playmakers -- with receivers Kayshon Boutte and Tank Dell 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 of 2024.
Boutte, who Houston acquired during the late stages of training camp, had 125 receiving yards with two touchdowns, marking his first 100-yard outing of the season.
"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 now 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 now back to playing the way 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."