Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton has rarely minced words when it comes to his assessment of other quarterbacks. He recently called players like Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa and Jared Goff “game managers,” even as Purdy and Goff played in a tight NFC championship game.
But when it comes to C.J. Stroud, Newton was clear about his thoughts on the Houston Texans quarterback. When asked if Stroud was a game manager or game-changer, Newton emphatically responded with “changer.”
It’s official. CJ Stroud not a game manager like Brock Purdy. @CameronNewton with the verdict. #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/xB24QHawet
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) February 7, 2024
Say what you want about his feelings on other quarterbacks, but Newton was a game-changer in his own right during most of his career with the Carolina Panthers. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, NFL MVP in 2015 and made three Pro Bowls in his 11-year career.
Stroud, meanwhile, proved to be a game-changer throughout his rookie season. Not only did he win Offensive Rookie of the Month in September and then two more monthly awards in November, but Stroud did so while leading the Texans to the AFC South title and a first-round playoff win over the Cleveland Browns.
Stroud very well may win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as well after he threw for more than 4,000 passing yards, scored 24 passing touchdowns and threw just five interceptions. A few other players could beat him for the award, but Stroud appears to be in the driver’s seat after he won the PFWA version of the OROY award.
