Texans' CJ Stroud & Cam Newton set record straight on who had the better rookie season
BEST OF THE BEST
13 February 2024
Houston Texans phenom CJ Stroud catches up with Cam Newton for a spirited and yet friendly debate over which QB had the better rookie year.
The guys take a deep dive into the stats, the big wins, and also discuss the challenges of making the jump from college to the pros.
Both quarterbacks show a tremendous amount of respect for one another, and there's no denying both players caught the league by surprise in year one.
Stroud certainly had a better season through the air, but Cam's ability to pass and use his legs helped secure him the hardware for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011.
Stroud also won OROY recording over 4,100 passing yards, but his ability to protect the football stands out when comparing these two players. Newton threw 17 interceptions to Stroud's 5.
At the end of the day, Newton concludes Stroud's year was better because the Texans won games and made the playoffs. Newton's team was 6-10, despite a historic rookie year from Cam.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!
Warning: Graphic language
Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the slumping Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Friday night.
Brown (6-1) struck out nine, matching his season high for the fourth straight start. The right-hander also issued a season-high four walks in his fifth consecutive win.
Brown departed after Gavin Lux walked with two out in the sixth. Kaleb Ort got Spencer Steer to bounce into a forceout at second.
Josh Hader handled the ninth for his ninth save.
Cincinnati finished with four hits in its sixth loss in seven games.
Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (1-4) surrendered 10 hits and three runs in six innings. He struck out five and walked none.
Zach Dezenzo hit a two-out RBI single in the second, and the Astros added two more runs in the fifth.
Mauricio Dubón followed Brendan Rodgers’ leadoff double with a chopper past third baseman Santiago Espinal, moving Rodgers to third. Jeremy Peña drove in Rodgers with a groundout to second, and Isaac Paredes doubled home Dubón with two down.
Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz each had two hits for the Astros.
Cincinnati's Austin Hays returned from the injured list after missing 10 games with a left hamstring strain. He went 1 for 4.
Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was scratched due to left calf tenderness after missing the last two games.
Key moment
Tyler Stephenson hit a one-out double for Cincinnati in the ninth. But Hader struck out Rece Hinds and Espinal, ending the game.
Key stat
It was Houston's first win against the Reds since June 19, 2016, ending a nine-game skid.
Up next
Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season and first home start since October 3, 2022, against Reds right-hander Brady Singer (4-2 3.66 ERA) on Saturday night.
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