Heading into his second year with the Houston Texans, C.J. Stroud has already made an indelible mark as their starting quarterback. Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick, Stroud has quickly ascended to set new benchmarks, steering the team to notable successes in his rookie season.
Stroud leads the Texans into the 2023 training camp with a rejuvenated sense of confidence. "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," Stroud remarked. As he rolls into the new season, he is fully embedded as the starting quarterback, a significant shift from the uncertainties he faced during his rookie tenure. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season," he noted.
During his first year, Stroud showcased his burgeoning talent by leading the Texans to an AFC South title and seizing a playoff victory, establishing himself both as a leader and a prodigy. This remarkable feat cemented him in the NFL history books as the youngest quarterback to ever win a playoff game. His stellar performance was not limited to mere titles; he shattered franchise records in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts.
Moreover, his standout season earned him the coveted Offensive Rookie of the Year accolade, laying a solid foundation for what appears to be a promising career. But Stroud's journey is far from over. He understands the high stakes and the growing expectations placed upon him. "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," he emphasized.
Stroud's aspirations are mirrored by the Texans' management, who have bolstered the squad with key acquisitions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon. These additions underscore the team's determination to dominate the AFC South and strive for greater heights. "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," Stroud commented.
As training camp unfolds, Stroud is not just focusing on individual improvement but also on elevating the team's overall performance. "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 shared. His dedication to mastering these elements is a testament to his commitment to the team’s success.
Stroud remains grounded and focused, keenly aware that the path to victory is navigated day by day. "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 advised. This pragmatic approach is likely to set the tone for an intense and rigorous training camp, one that prepares the Texans for the NFL grind ahead.
The ultimate goal for Stroud and the Texans is clear – a Super Bowl LIX appearance. "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 stated, showing a maturity and foresight well beyond his years. The Texans have filled their roster with veterans and rising stars, creating a balanced blend of experience and youthful energy.
"You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish," Stroud asserted, encapsulating the team's mentality as they prepare for a potentially historic season. With last season's accomplishments providing a foundation, the Texans are determined to forge ahead, spurred by the relentless drive of their young quarterback.
As the new NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. With their eyes set on the grandest prize in professional football, the journey promises to be thrilling and demanding. If Stroud's rookie season is any indication, the Texans' faithful have much to be optimistic about.