ESPN's Stephen A. Smith 'all-in' on Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud has won over countless national pundits following his epic first season as the Houston Texans starting quarterback, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

During a recent segment on ‘First Take,’ Smith went back and forth with former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum between quarterbacks worth starting a franchise besides Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. Tannenbaum chose Green Bay Packers’ star Jordan Love after replacing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers last season.

Smith, however, came with receipts in favor of the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“[He’s the] third quarterback in the last 50 years to lead the NFL in both passing yards per game and touchdown to interception ratio,” Smith said of Stroud. “This brother had a 157 passer rating in his first playoff game against the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL, which is Cleveland.

“He’s also younger than Jordan Love.”

All valid points from the media personality on the separation between the two first-year starters, but there’s more to the equation. Stroud started off playing behind a makeshift offensive line and yet never seemed fazed while delivering strikes on third down.

Love, who sat for three seasons while learning Matt LaFleur’s offense, was a plug-and-play fit who already had an understanding of the concepts needed to be a positive when taking over for Rodgers.

Love’s numbers were better than Stroud’s, but remember that the latter missed two games in December due to a concussion. Love played in all 17 games and finished with a lower passer rating (100.8:94.1) and average yard per pass (8.2:7.4).

Both gunslingers are expected to be standouts in the league’s future, but Stroud also is on a rookie deal. Love, who signed a one-year extension last offseason after Green Bay elected not to pick up his fifth-year option, will be up for a new lucrative deal before training camp begins.

Smith pointed out that a cheaper salary also leans in Stroud’s favor.

Time will tell if both players live up to the hype after one season, but Stroud will have time to progress before the Texans are forced to open their wallets.

That could put Houston in line for one of the best bargain deals in league history when all is said and done.

A leader in the race for young QB1 could be on the line later this season when the Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on Love at Packers on October 20.