C.J. Stroud had his own word for his first preseason touchdown pass: Blessing.
The No. 2 overall pick had not participated in a scoring play through two preseason games, let alone lead the Houston Texans on a touchdown drive. While still in the context of an exhibition game with scant game-planning and paltry playing time, being unable to pop the cork of scoring a touchdown carries its own mood.
On a second-and-goal from the 3-yard line, Stroud found receiver Nico Collins for a touchdown to give Houston a 7-0 lead with 7:22 to go in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints.
While the scoring play turned out to be Stroud’s last of preseason as he was on a two-drive limit, the route with Collins had been in the works for much of game week.
“It was really cool to connect with Nico,” Stroud told reporters after the 17-13 win at Caesars Superdome Aug. 27. “We work hard. Actually, we got that rep after practice on Friday like three or four times, just getting it down. So for it to pay off and for us to get a touchdown off of it was definitely cool to see.”
Stroud finished the night going 2-of-4 for 16 yards and a 100.0 passer rating. Coach DeMeco Ryans named the former Ohio State product the Texans’ starting quarterback for their Opening Day tilt with the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 10.
