What’s C.J. Stroud’s message to the critics who think that regression has set in after a breakout rookie season?
Keep watching. Or don’t.
The Houston Texans are onto Week 2’s Monday Night Football debacle.
“I don’t care, to be honest,” Stroud said Thursday of his criticism of play. “I’ve gotten so used to people loving you when you’re up, hating you when you’re down. It’s just how this entertainment business operates.”
Stroud, who’s looking to guide Houston back to a third division title in three years, didn’t have the best outing in his return to California. He completed under 64 percent of his pass attempts and tossed an interception. Houston’s offense in general was kept out of the red zone for most of the afternoon, resulting in three field goals from Ka’imi Fairbairn in a 14-9 loss.
Fans were irate with the overall performance after what feels like another season destined to come to an end on a second Saturday in January. Frustrations blew over on the internet, leading to some even wondering if Houston needs a reset at quarterback entering next offseason.
Stroud said he hasn’t heard the noise, but he also knows it exists.
“Words do have effects. So, for me, I try not to just look at it and try to just stay kind of like a horse and have tunnel vision,” Stroud said. “I’ve learned to not love the love and not hate the hate.”
Tampa Bay comes to town looking to remain undefeated on the national stage. Stroud knows with a win, most of the doubters will be silenced, but with a loss, the crowds continue to grow and spew hate.
Even with the extra pressure and added spotlight, Stroud said the team is remaining steadfast. After having some dobut him as the starting quarterback for Ohio State, the noise has become more so transparent up to this stage in his career.
“Whatever they want to think, cool. Y’all go ahead and do that. We’re gonna continue to grind,” Strouds said. “If we lay an egg again, we’re gonna get back up, we’re gonna trust each other. It really doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on ABC.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans QB C.J. Stroud blocking out criticism while preparing for battle with Bucs on MNF
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
