For the Houston Texans, the 2022 NFL season was one to remember. The emergence of quarterback C.J. Stroud played a pivotal role in the team’s success, leading them to an AFC South title and a playoff victory. Stroud, the second overall pick, has quickly matured into the franchise quarterback the Texans dreamed of.
Entering his second training camp, Stroud exudes confidence. "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," he says. This newfound assurance stems from a year of accomplishments that cemented his status as a rising star. Becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game and earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award have set high expectations for Stroud and his team.
A Transformative Rookie Season
Stroud’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He shattered franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts. His leadership on the field guided the Texans to a division title, proving that the young quarterback is not just a raw talent but a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
"Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season," Stroud reflects. Now, as the undeniable starter, he carries the weight of higher expectations and larger responsibilities.
Building on Success
The Texans’ offseason moves indicate a commitment to building around their star quarterback. The acquisition of wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon could be the pieces that elevate the offense to new heights. The dynamic duo will undoubtedly provide Stroud with more options, making the Texans' offensive unit a potential powerhouse in the league.
Stroud acknowledges the evolving complexity of his role. "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 explains. This increased responsibility is a testament to his growth in understanding the intricacies of NFL play.
Leadership and Camaraderie
Leadership is a key theme for Stroud as he prepares for the upcoming season. "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 asserts.
This focus on leadership extends beyond the field. Stroud's mindset underscores his dedication to both personal and team development, as he emphasizes the importance of goal-setting and confidence. "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 says with conviction.
Managing Expectations
With the Texans considered favorites to retain the AFC South crown, there's no shortage of expectations surrounding the team. However, Stroud is keen on keeping things in perspective. "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 remarks.
His approach to the season is one focused on daily improvement and execution. "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 states, underscoring his commitment to continuous progress.
Eyes on the Prize
The ultimate ambition for Stroud and the Texans is clear: a Super Bowl LIX appearance. This lofty goal is driven by a simple yet powerful mantra from Stroud: "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish."
As the Texans gear up for a potentially historic season, all eyes will be on C.J. Stroud. His development, leadership, and ability to handle mounting expectations will be crucial to the team's success. If his rookie year is any indication, Stroud is more than capable of leading the Texans to new milestones and possibly, the grandest stage of all.