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
Astros look to stay in control as division pace quickens
Jun 18, 2025, 4:13 pm
Coming off a dominant offensive performance, the Houston Astros return to the field Wednesday night looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Athletics. Cam Smith’s four-hit breakout powered a 13-3 rout on Tuesday, and now the Astros aim to take control of the series in Game 3 of the four-game set.
Houston, sitting atop the AL West at 42-31, will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez has been in strong form all season, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.10 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 2025. He’ll be looking to build on Houston’s recent pitching success. The Astros have held opponents to a 2.60 ERA over their last 10 games while going 7-3 in that span and outscoring opponents by 24 runs.
The A’s will counter with veteran right-hander Luis Severino, who enters with a 2-6 record and a 4.47 ERA. While his season has been inconsistent, Severino still has the ability to miss bats and will look to keep an Astros lineup in check that’s hitting .271 over its last 10 contests.
The Athletics come in at 30-45 overall and 13-24 at home, and though they've dropped three of four to the Astros this season, the power potential is always there. The A’s have launched 92 home runs so far — seventh-most in the majors — with Tyler Soderstrom and Max Muncy continuing to anchor the offense. Soderstrom has already racked up 14 homers and 45 RBIs on the year, while Muncy has gone deep three times over his last 10 games.
Houston’s offense has been steadily rising, fueled by key performances from both veterans and emerging talent. Jeremy Peña continues to provide steady production with 15 doubles and nine homers on the year, while rookie Cam Smith has caught fire, going 14-for-40 with four doubles and two homers in his last 10 games.
The Astros are 33-13 this season when they out-hit their opponent, and they’ll look to follow that blueprint again Wednesday. First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m. EDT in West Sacramento, with Houston holding a 3-1 edge in the season series.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -162, Athletics +136; over/under is 9 runs
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