In just one remarkable season, C.J. Stroud has transformed from an unproven rookie to a franchise cornerstone for the Houston Texans. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick, Stroud quickly cemented his place as the starting quarterback, leading the Texans to an unexpected triumph in the AFC South and securing a playoff victory — a feat that made him the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game.
Stroud’s inaugural season was nothing short of historic. He shattered franchise records in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts, earning him the coveted Offensive Rookie of the Year award. As he enters his second training camp, Stroud exudes a newfound confidence, well-aware of the heightened expectations surrounding him and his team.
Confidence in Camp
"Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," Stroud admitted. Last season, the starting role wasn't clearly defined until the regular season was about to begin. This year, Stroud is prepared for a leading role right from the start. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season," he added.
Stroud’s growing comfort is evident in his approach. "There's a ton of things. Owning the offense more, the operation," he stated. "Putting more on my plate with run checks and protection checks, things like that." This focus on mastering the intricacies of the offense reflects a quarterback eager to elevate his game and his team.
Leadership and Standards
Part of Stroud’s development has been understanding his role as a leader. He recognizes the importance of setting a high standard for the entire team. "Right now it's just trying to not only build the camaraderie but also be a leader with the first team so the second and third and everybody who's watching that this is the standard," he said. "It's up to me to set that standard and I have to do that every day."
This leadership is crucial for a Texans team eyeing a deep playoff run and possibly a Super Bowl LIX appearance. Offseason acquisitions, including wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon, have bolstered Houston’s offensive arsenal, making them favorites to repeat as AFC South champions.
The Bigger Picture
While Stroud acknowledges the high expectations, he remains focused on the immediate tasks. "The message is just keep the main thing, the main thing. Of course, we have not only a lot of expectations, we have a lot of big goals on this team. That's how it should be," he expressed.
Stroud’s philosophy is one of staying grounded and diligent. "You know, the person that always doubts himself will probably never make it, so you have to have confidence and a goal and a plan and execute that plan," he noted. "Really you need to be where your feet are. We're in training camp right now. We've got to just execute that and making sure we're taking every day to get better."
This pragmatic approach is likely to serve Stroud and the Texans well as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. He succinctly summed up the team’s goal-oriented mindset: "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish."
As Stroud continues to evolve as a quarterback and leader, the Texans’ hopes ride on his shoulders. His rookie season was a whirlwind of broken records and unprecedented achievements. Now, with a fortified roster and another year of experience, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are poised to make even greater strides towards than they did before.