Texans' DeMeco Ryans: C.J. Stroud 'One of the Best Passers' in the NFL

The Houston Texans are headed to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019 campaign, and it's largely because of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud led the Texans to a 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium to help Houston finish 10-7 and punch its ticket to the playoffs.

To many NFL fans, the performance cemented Stroud among the NFL's best quarterbacks, but to Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, the rookie signal-caller's performance came as little surprise.

"He doesn't surprise me," Ryans told reporters. "That's who he is, one of the best passers in this league and he shows it week in and week out."

Ryans added that Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins "stole the show" in Indianapolis. Collins himself even said after the win that Stroud has the "it factor."

Stroud has carved out one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in recent memory, and he secured his status among the NFL's top passers with his clutch performance against the Colts.

The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft completed 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 20 yards on three carries.

Stroud's top target was Collins, who caught nine passes for 195 yards and one score.

Stroud entered Saturday's matchup having completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 3,844 yards and 21 touchdowns against five interceptions in 14 games, in addition to rushing for 147 yards and three scores.

With his performance against the Colts, the 22-year-old became the fifth rookie quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards in a season.

Stroud and the Texans now have their sights set on making a run in the playoffs, but even if they don't go far, Houston fans can take solace in the fact that they have finally found their franchise quarterback.