Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud likely still has a bad taste in his mouth from how last season ended.
In Houston’s first playoff game, the Texans won despite Stroud’s five fumbles. In their second playoff game against the New England Patriots, they could not overcome Stroud’s four interceptions.
Even though the season ended in a downward spiral for Stroud, he is not letting last season affect his preparation for this year. During the early stages of training camp. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has seen a more confident Stroud who’s willing to take ownership of the offense.
“With C.J., what I’m seeing show up is just a guy who’s confident in what he’s doing,” Ryans said Friday. “That’s how everything has looked better because again, it’s year two in the system. Anytime you’re doing something for the second time around, you’re more comfortable with it. Come training camp, we’re able to install and add volume to our offense more so than we were able to do the first year and rightfully so. Everybody’s just getting started, it’s new, it’s fresh and we’re trying to see what everybody does well. C.J.’s done a great job of taking ownership of the offense. He’s really communicated to his guys, getting everybody on the same page and you’re seeing a confident player.”
Ryans also mentioned that Stroud’s ability to create separation with his legs should be more of a weapon this season.
“I think he’s always had that capability, but I don’t think he’s faster,” Stroud said. “If he is, that’s a great thing for us all. I think it’s just going back to decision-making. Are you making the right decision if it’s not there and not being in a position where you feel like you have to force something that’s not there? And understanding that when you do use your legs, there’s a ton of power in using your legs and that’s where the trend in the NFL has taken off.”
Fans should get their first glimpse at Stroud’s progress at some point during the preseason, most likely in the second game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thurs. Aug. 20 if the Texans follow the same pattern as last year.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: DeMeco Ryans seeing a more confident C.J. Stroud in training camp
Reporting by Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
