How Texans’ C.J. Stroud connected with Jayden Higgins for rookie’s first NFL touchdown catch: ‘Great play call’

HOUSTON – Accelerating into his route, Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins created plenty of separation just as he has in other games.

It was an altogether different experience this time, though.

Higgins broke into the clear behind Tennessee Titans veteran safety Amani Hooker and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud lobbed the football over his head for a perfectly timed touchdown pass.

The first career touchdown for Higgins, a 24-yard score during a 26-0 victory Sunday at NRG Stadium, was a prime example of timing and talent.

“I was looking at Higgs and he was cheesing the whole time,” Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins said. “It’s a layup.”

Indeed.

For the imposing second-round draft pick from Iowa State, getting open hasn’t been the issue.

Higgins entered Sunday as the NFL leader in separation percentage, getting open on 12 of 16 separation opportunities, a 75-percent clip.

And this time the opening was capitalized on.

“It was a great play-call and C.J. just threw it up there, gave him a release,” Higgins said. “When the ball’s in the air, it’s my job to come down with it. It was awesome. The fans were screaming, getting loud, so it was definitely a relief.”

A 6-foot-4, 214-pound former All-Big-12 selection, Higgins entered Sunday with light usage with just five targets and four catches for 65 yards for a 16.3 yard average per catch.

“Higgs is a dawg,” Stroud said. “Somebody who is very elusive, great route running. He’s big, fast, tall. That’s a mismatch. So, he did a great job on that touchdown play. He just continues to get better every week. They were in man and on film they showed this man where they can help the best player, best receiver.

“I just signaled in a route concept I thought would work. We executed it very well. They did a good job of executing the route plan, but I just seen something and I called it, and it worked. We were right that time and made them pay.”

When the Texans drafted Higgins and signed him to the first fully guaranteed contract for a second-round pick in NFL history, they envisioned a solid role for him.

He caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

This was a prime example of what he’s capable of.

“It was really an outstanding play by C.J., making a check and getting to that play.” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Outstanding throw by him, and Higgs finishing in the end zone with the catch. Main thing about our offense, all the guys, I wanted to see them play with some excitement and enthusiasm and that’s what I saw today.

“Guys enjoy playing football and that only happens when you’re making plays. When you execute and make plays you can have that enthusiasm. So, that’s what I liked. Congrats to Higgs for getting his first touchdown as well.”A