C.J. Stroud stats: Texans QB breaks NFL record for most pass attempts without an interception to start career

It appears as though the Texans will forever be thanking the Panthers for passing on C.J. Stroud. 

The first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft came down to Stroud and Bryce Young. Carolina, which traded for the No. 1 pick from Chicago, ultimately elected to go Young. With the Alabama QB off the board, Houston made the decision to go with Stroud, coming off a strong career at Ohio State.

It's still very early in his NFL career, but Stroud is proving to be a legitimately elite quarterback in the big leagues. 

The No. 2 pick has been sensational so far for Houston. While Carolina has stumbled out to a winless start to the year with Young, the Texans have a promising young core in place, led by Stroud. 

MORE: C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields trying to end history Ohio State QB busts

Part of why Stroud has been so effective is his lack of turnovers. The former Buckeye made NFL history in Week 5, setting the record for most pass attempts to start an NFL career without an interception.

177 from CJ7️⃣

History made 🔥 pic.twitter.com/X7l8lc4auz

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 8, 2023

It puts him atop a list that includes Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa.

Most pass attempts without an interception to start NFL career

Stroud entered the matchup against Atlanta sitting at 151 pass attempts, needing 26 interception-less throws to make history. He managed that in the second half of the Texans' Week 5 contest.

Stroud broke Prescott's rookie record of 176 passing attempts without a pick, securing pass attempt No. 177 against the Falcons. 

CJ Stroud just broke Dak Prescott’s all-time rookie record (177 pass attempts) without an INT to begin a career. Tom Brady ranks 3rd.

DeMeco Ryans and the #Texans got themselves a star! pic.twitter.com/BU0nujkTCg

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 8, 2023

The record-setting throw was big underwhelming, as Stroud's 177th career attempt fell incomplete. Nonetheless, it did not end up in the hands of a Falcons defender, keeping his historic streak alive.