Keyshawn Johnson makes a case for C.J. Stroud to become the MVP in his debut season after 470 yards performance against the Bucs

Johnson is confident that Stroud is in the MVP mix.

Keyshawn Johnson makes a case for C.J. Stroud to become the MVP in his debut season after 470 yards performance against the Bucs

Keyshawn Johnson and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

Keyshawn Johnson had no hesitation in choosing C.J.Stroud as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Not only that, he is confident that the 22-year-old is in the running for the NFL MVP this season if he keeps performing the way he has.

The Houston Texans drafted Stroud as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They passed up on the opportunity to sign Bryce Young, who went to Carolina. Johnson believes, judging by how the two players’ seasons have panned out since then, there’s no doubt Stroud has been the better player.

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Keyshawn Johnson said in a recent segment of FOX Sports 1’s Undisputed:

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I don't necessarily know if the Panthers made a mistake by drafting Bryce over Stroud. Young fit what the Carolina Panthers were looking for, I am assuming. But C.J.Stroud is having a much, much better year. In fact, I believe he has put himself right in that MVP conversation.
Keyshawn Johnson on Undisputed

Although Stroud lost against Young when the two met a couple of weeks ago, he has been the better player. Despite a rough start to life in the NFL, losing the first two games against the Colts and the Ravens, he dropped more than 650 yards and two touchdowns. Most notably, he did not throw a single pick until the Texans’ seventh game against the Saints. It set a rookie record for completing 192 passes without a single interception.

However, the highlight of the season came during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. Stroud engineered a narrow 39-37 victory by recording 470 yards and five touchdowns while tanking three sacks. This was the most passing yards completed by a quarterback in their rookie campaign.

C.J. Stroud continues to prove the doubters wrong

There’s always a buzz about which player would be the top pick in a draft. Usually, that sets the tone for the rest of their career. According to the NFL.com player prospect and combine tracker, Stroud was given a 6.70 grade and placed 8th in the rookie draft list.

Keyshawn Johnson makes a case for C.J. Stroud to become the MVP in his debut season after 470 yards performance against the Bucs
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Image via NFL.com)

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote:

C.J.Stroud’s accuracy stands out on tape. He’s able to lead receivers with good placement. [But] Stroud didn’t often attack defenses with his legs.

However, in an interview before the 2023 Draft, the former Ohio State man said:

I’m not a test taker; I play football. At the end of the day, I had nothing to prove to anyone. I know what I can do; if I am not one of the smartest quarterbacks in the draft, I know I am one of the smartest in the NFL when I step in there.

Stroud so far has 179 pass completions in 8 games, in which the Texans are 4-4 and currently sit second in the AFC South. Moreover, he has thrown for 2270 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Next, they will face the tough challenge of the Cincinnati Bengals.

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