The Houston Texans moved to 3-5 on the season this past Sunday with a 44-22 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. 3-5 is certainly not where this team wanted to be eight games into the season, particularly because, having been 3-5 eight games into the 2025 season, they know exactly how minimal the margin for error is when you get off to a rough start like this.
Last season, the Texans needed a nine game winning streak to close out the season, just to get the 5-seed in the AFC. I think they’re capable of replicating that this season, for two reasons. First, their remaining schedule is among the easiest in football, with numerous backup quarterbacks and major disappointments dotting the schedule. Second, C.J. Stroud is playing the best football of his life. Period, end of story.
On Sunday, Stroud had his full arsenal on display. He dropped deep throws into the bucket, he threw lasers over the middle, he placed balls perfectly where only his receivers could catch them. Additionally, he spread the ball around to all of his receivers, including touchdown passes to four of his five receivers. In fact, since we don’t get five touchdown pass performances every week, let’s spend the rest of this article reliving the magic of Stroud’s glorious day against the Chargers, a game that will undoubtedly get him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time in four weeks.
Here are Stroud’s five touchdown passes, power ranked on aesthetiucs, significance, and degree of difficulty (on the passing and receiving end of things)! Enjoy!
**5\. Stroud to Xavier Hutchinson for 17 yards, 10:16 left in Q1, Texans up 7-0**
> Do yah dance Hutch!
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