Stroud's Confidence Soars Entering Second Training Camp
C.J. Stroud, selected as the No. 2 overall pick, has firmly cemented his place as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback. Stroud's journey from a promising rookie to a poised leader has been remarkable.
Reflecting on his growth and newfound confidence, Stroud shared, "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take." This self-assurance is a significant shift from his rookie year, as he elaborated, "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season."
Tackling training camp with newfound vigor, Stroud is focused not just on perfecting his game but on taking on greater responsibilities. "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 stated. This level of involvement highlights his maturity and commitment to the team's success.
His leadership extends beyond the field. Stroud emphasized the importance of setting the standard, saying, "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's stellar performance during his rookie season laid a solid foundation for his role in the team's future. The young quarterback led the Texans to an AFC South title and a playoff victory—becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game. His exceptional stats in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts set new franchise records. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was crowned Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In anticipation of another impressive season, the Texans have bolstered their roster by adding wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon. These strategic acquisitions reflect the team’s ambitions, with the Texans now being considered favorites to win the AFC South. Stroud and his teammates have their sights set on a grander goal—a Super Bowl LIX appearance.
Stroud's mindset for the upcoming season is forthright and focused. "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 asserted. It's clear that despite the pressures and expectations, Stroud remains grounded and committed to each day’s work. "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 said.
Undoubtedly, confidence plays a crucial role in Stroud's approach. "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 wisely noted. His methodical and disciplined approach will be pivotal as the Texans strive to fulfill their potential this season.
Capping off his thoughts, Stroud summed up his perspective on the season ahead: "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish."
With a tangible sense of determination and optimism, C.J. Stroud is charging into his second season set on elevating his game and leading the Texans to greater heights. As the team advances, the combination of Stroud's leadership, the new additions, and the collective ambition paints a promising picture for what lies ahead for the Houston Texans.