Yahoo Sports NFL analyst Nate Theis, fantasy analyst Matt Harmon and NFL writer Charles McDonald dig into QB CJ Stroud’s year one and whether his rookie success was a fluke or a sign of things to come. Listen to the full conversation on the “Zero Blitz” podcast, or subscribe wherever you prefer.
Video Transcript
I wrote about CJ Stroud earlier.
Ah, he’s a nice guy.
Well, I don’t know if you know anyone, but he’s really good.
Well, let me tell you something: he had the sixth-highest EPA per dropback of any rookie quarterback since 2006.
But if you just look at true dropbacks with no play action or RP OS, he was also a top-five quarterback.
There you can watch CJ Stroud work his magic.
This isn’t the Dalton Schultz wide open touchdown or playoff or fully open offense we typically see from a Shanahan-type offense led by Bobby Slick.
He drops back on third down, reads the entire field to find the fourth progression, sees the safety moving in the pocket and launches a rocket without even thinking about scrambling.
He’s really amazing.
I’m excited about CJ Stroud.
I’m really excited about this team because we looked at C.J. Stroud last year and you basically listed reasons why he could be a great player if he steps up a bit more, but we have Stefan Diggs and Stefan Diggs is going to move back into the wide receiver No. 2 role.
If he is willing to do that, he has a really mild-mannered nature and has never had any issues with his previous teams.
That’s why it’s good.
it’s good.
I don’t think I’m ready to say for sure they’ll beat Kansas City or Baltimore in the playoffs, but given where they are right now, I’d personally be a little surprised to see them not win the AFC South unless Anthony Richardson is meditating and ready to absolutely wow the world.
I’m not saying they can beat Kansas City, but I think they have a good chance of being the second best team in the conference this year.
If all goes well.
CJ.
Shrouts are terrifying monsters.
It’s unbelievable that he would back down.
He has incredible play-action.
He has quickness on the ball and can kick it across the field.
He’s super aggressive.
He is very smart.
I think it would be interesting if it were more widespread.
Otherwise, it doesn’t look like Shanahan’s offense, which has a lot of tight sets that force Strode to drop back and attack.
