Even when everything seems to be stalling, C.J. Stroud makes things interesting. Stroud's first-half success in the

Stroud, a former Elite 11 standout from Rancho Cucamonga High School, a two-time Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State and the second overall pick of the draft last year, has thrived while last year’s top overall pick, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, has already been benched.

After Houston defeated Chicago on "Sunday Night Football," Stroud went out of his way to give words of encouragement to Williams. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick struggled in his first prime-time matchup, completing 23 of his 37 pass attempts for just 174 yards, as well as two interceptions in the 19-13 loss for the Bears .