Watch: Texans' Stroud connects on 75-yard TD to Collins on first play

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud connects on 75-yard TD to WR Nico Collins on first play

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/6/24

Facing a must-win situation in Week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, wasted little time announcing its presence.

On the Texans' first play from scrimmage, Stroud connected with wideout Nico Collins on a long, 75-yard touchdown, quieting the Lucas Oil Field crowd.

LET IT FLY pic.twitter.com/AFIdqfxJRx
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 7, 2024

With the Colts showing a Cover 3 look, the Texans sent a streaking Collins down the middle of the field. He created separation from cornerback Juju Brents, and Stroud made an incredible throw for the quick strike.

The 22-year-old is having one of the best rookie seasons by a QB in recent memory and throws like the one to Collins prove why.

Entering Week 18, he boasted a 63.2 completion percentage, throwing for 3,844 yards with 21 touchdowns and only five interceptions through 14 games.

He needs just 156 yards through the air against the Colts to become the fifth rookie QB in NFL history to surpass 4,000, joining Cam Newton (2011), Andrew Luck (2012), Jameis Winston (2015) and Justin Herbert (2020), per Pro Football Reference.

More must-reads: