CJ Stroud makes statement with celebration after huge NFL touchdown throw

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins as the Texans raced out to an early lead over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday

Houston Texans quarterback C. J. Stroud delivered a spectacular deep pass to receiver Nico Collins in the first quarter of their narrow 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Collins was left unmarked as he ran into the endzone for a 67-yard touchdown, putting the Texans ahead 14-3. Stroud remained cool and collected in the backfield, showing no emotion as his teammates rushed to celebrate with him.

Despite a strong start, the Texans began to falter as Josh Allen and the Bills fought back, tying the game at 20 in the fourth quarter. However, Houston's kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn secured the win with a 59-yard field goal as time ran out.

Unfortunately, Collins was unable to contribute further due to a hamstring injury.

The fourth-year player, who entered the week as the NFL's leading receiver with 489 receiving yards, had a breakout season last year with rookie Stroud, more than doubling his career highs in both receptions (80) and receiving yards (489).

Stroud once again proved his worth. The 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year completed 28-of-38 passes for 331 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the sport.

A series of injuries in the Buffalo secondary aided him: top corner Taron Johnson and starting safety Taylor Rapp were both absent from the game.

On the touchdown to Collins, cornerback Rasul Douglas appeared confused as to why he didn't receive safety assistance. Ian Eagle on the CBS broadcast highlighted how rookie safety Cole Bishop, making his first NFL start, was significantly out of position.

Despite an early 14-3 deficit, Buffalo improved on both sides of the ball to claw back to a tie by the fourth quarter.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed only 9-of-30 passes but managed to connect with receiver Keon Coleman for a 49-yard score late in the third. A field goal drive levelled the contest in the fourth.

After a sequence of strange clock decisions towards the end, Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn had an opportunity to win the game on a 59-yard field goal with just seconds remaining.

"Kai'mi is one of one, we've seen him do that before," receiver Tank Dell said of his kicker. Fairbairn nailed the kick to boost the Texans to a 3-1 record.