As the Houston Texans gear up for another season, all eyes are on their rising star, C.J. Stroud. The No. 2 overall pick has not only cemented his place as the Texans' starting quarterback but has also led the team to an unprecedented level of success in just his rookie year.
Stroud showcased his prodigious talent by leading the Texans to an AFC South title and a playoff victory, making NFL history as the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game. His stellar performance earned him the coveted Offensive Rookie of the Year award and set multiple franchise records in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts.
Confidence Leading the Way
Entering his second training camp with a newfound confidence, Stroud is poised to take his game to the next level. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed, "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take." The experience gained from his rookie year is invaluable, and Stroud is prepared to leverage it fully. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season," he added.
Owning the Offense
Stroud's leadership extends beyond just commanding the huddle. He's fully embracing his role as the team's offensive anchor. "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," Stroud mentioned. His commitment to mastering every aspect of the offense is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
But it's not just about the technicalities; it's also about 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. It's up to me to set that standard, and I have to do that every day," Stroud emphasized.
Strong Offseason Moves
The Texans have done their part to support their franchise quarterback, making significant additions during the offseason. The acquisition of wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon are moves designed to bolster the offense and give Stroud more weapons at his disposal. These strategic signings have raised expectations, with the Texans now considered favorites to win the AFC South.
Stroud's focus, however, remains unwavering. "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. It's clear that while the goal is always the Super Bowl, Stroud and his teammates are taking it one step at a time.
Mindset and Preparation
For Stroud, self-belief is critical. "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 remarked. His mindset is one of relentless focus and continuous improvement. "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," he asserted.
It's this combination of talent, preparation, and mental toughness that makes Stroud a formidable competitor. He knows that every practice, every rep, every moment is a building block towards the ultimate prize. "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish," Stroud concluded.
Eyes on the Prize
As the Texans march forward with their sights set on a Super Bowl LIX appearance, C.J. Stroud stands at the helm, embodying the hopes and aspirations of the franchise. His rookie season was a remarkable start, but for Stroud and the Texans, it is just the beginning. With a solid team around him and a clear vision ahead, Stroud is ready to lead the charge, one play at a time.