Steelers Helped Launch Rookie QB CJ Stroud Into Orbit In 2023: 'Nobody Can Mess With Me'

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 4 with high expectations as they squared off against the rookie-led Houston Texans. Led by CJ Stroud, the Texans were poised to challenge the Steelers. Despite initial predictions favoring the Steelers, the Texans delivered a stunning performance, dominating every quarter of the game. Stroud's brilliance shone through as he led his team to an impressive victory, defying all odds and leaving an indelible mark on the league.

As the season progressed, Stroud continued to showcase his talent, propelling the Texans into the postseason with his exceptional rookie campaign. His leadership and skill were pivotal in securing crucial victories, including a memorable playoff win against the Cleveland Browns. It was a testament to Stroud's ability to excel under pressure and elevate his team's performance when it mattered most.

During a recent appearance on Cold As Balls, hosted by mega star Kevin Hart, Stroud offered insights into his NFL journey. In a candid revelation, he credited the Steelers' game as a turning point in his career, acknowledging how their lack of a formidable presence helped solidify his belief in his NFL potential.

“It was about Week 4. We played the Steelers at home. It was the first time with a packed crowd at home. We went crazy, scored 30 points on one of the top defenses in the league-that was the moment I was like, ‘Man I can really play in this league and I don’t think nobody can mess with me,” Stroud said.

Indeed, the Steelers inadvertently played a pivotal role in shaping Stroud's trajectory in the league. As he continues to make strides in the NFL, Stroud remains grateful for the lessons learned and the challenges overcome, all of which have contributed to his journey towards NFL stardom.

Stroud's revelation came amidst a game that could only be described as a calamity for the Steelers, yet for him, it served as a pivotal moment that bolstered his confidence in his ability to thrive in the NFL. In the midst of the Steelers' woeful performance, Stroud demonstrated his mettle, orchestrating an impressive offensive display by passing for an impressive 306 yards and notching two passing touchdowns. While the game left Steelers fans disheartened, striving to purge it from their collective memory, for Stroud, it signified a significant turning point.

Stroud seized the opportunity to showcase his prowess on the field, relentlessly dismantling opposing defenses for the remainder of the season. His remarkable performance has seen him ascend the ranks of quarterback rankings in the NFL. Stroud attributes his meteoric rise not to the Steelers' prowess, but rather to their inadequacies, acknowledging their role in shaping his trajectory in the league.

Steelers Forgot To Show Up Against The Texans In Week 4

For the Steelers, that particular game served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, a league notorious for its twists and turns. Yet, it was more than just another game—it underscored the struggles of a team grappling with its own limitations. At that juncture, the Steelers found themselves mired in mediocrity, with an offense faltering and a defense bearing the brunt of the burden in securing victories. The encounter with the Texans marked the second instance in which the Steelers seemed outmatched and outplayed early into the 2023 season. 

Despite their shortcomings, the Steelers managed to navigate the choppy waters of the season, defying expectations by clinching a postseason berth. However, the loss to the Texans, a team who was dismissed as one of the league's weakest, casted a shadow of doubt over the Steelers' capabilities. The 30-6 defeat stood out as a glaring low point in Pittsburgh's season, exposing vulnerabilities and highlighting areas in need of improvement.

While the game may have provided Stroud with a boost of confidence, it also served as a wake-up call for the Steelers, who now find themselves contending with yet another formidable quarterback in the AFC. The defeat prompted a period of introspection and adjustment for the Steelers, leading to a resurgence marked by consecutive victories and a renewed competitive spirit.