NFL analyst heaps pressure on Texans QB C.J. Stroud for 2024 season after sensational rookie year - "You got to prove it"

The Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud took the NFL by storm last year. The franchise struck gold in drafting him as their franchise quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Stroud led the Texans to their first AFC South division title since 2019. En route to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Stroud broke various NFL records and became the youngest starting quarterback to win a playoff game.

But NFL analyst Sam Acho believes that the real test awaits the Texans QB in his sophomore year. Speaking on ESPN's 'First Take,' he said that Stroud has the highest expectations and the most pressure heading into the 2024 NFL season. [From 2:49]

"C. J. Stroud last year, is coming off of a Offensive Rookie of the Year performance... so that was year one. How do you follow up year one?"

Acho added that Stroud's incredible rookie season sets the bar for what the Texans QB can do.

He continued, explaining that the addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's continuity, will mean more pressure on Stroud to prove it again in 2024.

"That's why there's so much pressure on C.J. Stroud because of what he did, because of the expectations, because of what you saw last year. Can you follow it up? We think he can, but he has to actually do it... Now, all eyes are on you now. It's no more expectation. It's not potential energy, its kinetic energy. You got to do it. You got to prove it."

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud's sophomore year is crucial for his development

C.J. Stroud has developed into one of the top NFL quarterbacks heading into his second year in the league. He balled out in his rookie season, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 100.8.

The Houston Texans know they will go as far as Stroud leads them and brought in more help for him this offseason with the addition of Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. Diggs will be a crucial part of Stroud's development as a quarterback.

The impact of Diggs on a young Josh Allen was profound when the Buffalo Bills acquired the wide receiver from the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Allen had his best season in the NFL yet (4,544 yards and 37 passing touchdowns), in his third year, with Diggs also having a record year in receiving yards (1,535).

Having a star weapon in Diggs in his second year in the NFL will help Stroud massively. The Texans QB showed his caliber as a rookie. His teammate believes Stroud can bridge the gap to reach Patrick Mahomes' status. All eyes will be on C.J. Stroud, who will hope to follow up on his impressive rookie season.