C.J. Stroud: Leading the Texans into a New Era
C.J. Stroud's rise from the No. 2 overall pick to firmly establishing himself as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback has been nothing short of meteoric. Now entering his second training camp, Stroud exudes a newfound confidence that is as palpable as it is infectious.
"Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," Stroud remarked, reflecting the growth he has experienced over the past year. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season."
Stroud's rookie year with the Texans was a tour de force. Not only did he lead the team to an AFC South title and a playoff victory, but he also set franchise records in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts. This remarkable feat earned him the distinction of becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game, as well as the coveted Offensive Rookie of the Year title.
Reflecting on his transition to the role of a leader, Stroud emphasized the importance of "owning the offense more" and taking on greater responsibilities such as run checks and protection checks. "There's a ton of things. Owning the offense more, the operation. Putting more on my plate with run checks and protection checks, things like that," he explained.
The young quarterback also understands the significance of setting a high standard for the 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. It's up to me to set that standard and I have to do that every day."
The Texans have made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their offensive arsenal. The addition of wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon signals the team's determination to build on last year's success. With these new weapons at his disposal, Stroud and the Texans are considered favorites to win the AFC South, with aspirations that extend all the way to a Super Bowl LIX appearance.
Despite the mounting expectations, Stroud remains focused on the present. "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 stated. "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."
Stroud's level-headedness and determination have not gone unnoticed. As he prepares for the upcoming season, his focus is unwavering. "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," the quarterback advised. This daily commitment to improvement is a cornerstone of Stroud's approach, underscoring his intention not to rest on last season's laurels.
"You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish," Stroud declared. It's a philosophy that encapsulates the mindset he brings to the Texans, one built on confidence, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
With C.J. Stroud at the helm, the Houston Texans are not just aiming to replicate last season's success. They are setting their sights higher, looking to cement their place as a formidable force in the league, and perhaps, bring a Super Bowl title to Houston. As Stroud navigates his second year, the NFL will be watching closely to see if this prodigious talent can steer his team to new heights.