Houston Texans Rookies Show Potential Early

Written by: Nate Wyrsch •

Player Updates

Will Anderson prepares for a play in the 2021 National Championship

Texans Game Summary

The Houston Texans were able to go into Jacksonville and get a huge 20-point win on Sunday, thanks to their rookies leading the way. If the Texans can have their rookie players produce like they did today, they are looking at an extremely promising future.

Offensive Rookie Production

C.J. Stroud Summary

C.J. Stroud, the Texans starting quarterback and the 2nd overall pick in the NFL Draft, had a huge game today. He threw 20-30 (66.67%) with 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 14 rushing yards on three attempts. Stroud did not take any sacks all game, and the Texans never once turned the ball over.

Stroud also turned in a big performance against their other divisional rival, the Indianapolis Colts, last week even though they could not get the job done. He had 384 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing nearly 64% of his passes.

If Stroud can keep playing the way he has been over the last two weeks, the Texans will see themselves having a very successful future. The Texans seemed to have found their answer at quarterback after experimenting over the last few seasons.

Tank Dell Summary

Stroud was able to connect with seemingly his favorite receiver, rookie Tank Dell. Dell was drafted in the third round, number 69 overall. On Sunday, Dell had 5 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.

Dell’s 68-yard touchdown was enough to put the game away for Houston, and capped off the rookie's huge day. Dell, like Stroud, was also coming off a big performance against the Colts in which he went for 72 yards and a touchdown on 7 receptions.

If Tank Dell and C.J. Stroud can continue to build a strong relationship with one another and consistently have games like this, the Texans' offense will be in good hands for many years to come.

Defensive Rookie Production

Henry To'oto'o Summary

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, Texans rookie Henry To’oto’o tallied 10 tackles Sunday, his career high so far. He also recorded a pass deflection. To’oto’o was selected in the fifth round out of Alabama, showing the Texans were able to find talent all throughout the draft.

Will Anderson Summary

The number three pick in the NFL draft, Will Anderson, also showed why he was taken so highly. The rookie, Anderson, recorded four tackles and two quarterback hits today, as well as blocking a field goal early in the second quarter.

To’oto’o and Anderson, the former Alabama teammates, will hope to help Houston turn into a top defense as they have been one of the league's worst over the last few years.

Texans Looking Forward

In all, the future's looking bright for the Houston Texans. The team has tons of young talent all around, and the rookies are already making an impact early into their careers. They will also look for the help of their young talents in Nico Collins and Damien Pierce as the season progresses.

The Texans will look to build off this big win against the reigning AFC South champions and carry the momentum into Pittsburgh next week.

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