Is Texans QB C.J. Stroud one of the top clutch players entering 2024?

The most important — and perhaps most underappreciated — trait of C.J. Stroud is his clutch factor. Despite being a rookie, the Houston Texans starting quarterback never seemed fazed when asked to deliver a win.

Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year, put the league on notice after guiding Houston to a 39-37 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with his game-winning 75-yard touchdown drive in under a minute.

A week later, Stroud followed up his career day with another victory over Cincinnati. With the score tied at 27, the former No. 2 overall pick completed 3-of-4 passes for 51 yards to set up a game-winning field goal by Matt Ammendola.

Even in losses, Stroud was impressive. Two weeks after defeating Cincinnati, the Texans needed Stroud to play hero ball again against Jacksonville. He delivered, completing seven passes for 69 yards to set up Ammendola for a 58-yard field goal.

Stroud was the x-factor for Houston en route to its first division title and playoff win in four years. It’s also why CBS Sports believes he’s the No. 2 among quarterbacks in “clutch factor” entering 2024.

“Nobody was better in the clutch than C.J. Stroud last year. The Texans converted on 6 of 8 game-tying or go-ahead drive chances late with Stroud under center. His numbers in those situations were phenomenal. 77% completion rate, 10.7 yards per attempt and a 139.5 passer rating.” – CBS Sports Doug Clawson

According to Clawson, measurements used to study “clutch factor” include two significant stats:

• Quarterback conversion rate on game-tying or go-ahead drives in the fourth quarter and overtime
• Expected points added (EPA) per play in these situations (looks at value added on all plays between rushes, passes, sacks and fumbles)

The study essentially looks into how a quarterback plays late in games in do-or-die situations. Last season during the fourth quarter alone, Stroud completed 62 percent of his throws for nine total touchdowns against three interceptions while posting a 101.2 passer rating.

Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes took the top spot after securing his third Super Bowl in five years with an overtime comeback win over the 49ers in Las Vegas. Still, second place seems strong, especially given Stroud’s experience compared to other MVP candidates.

Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Detroit’s Jared Goff rounded out the top five. Other AFC gunslingers who made the list behind Stroud were Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.

The Texans return for the start of training camp practice on July 18.