‘I think he has grown,’ how Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has improved heading into preseason game against Steelers

PITTSBURGH – When C.J. Stroud breaks the huddle Friday night, he’ll finally be able to show off his arm, skill and leadership against a real opponent after months of competing against his teammates.

The Texans’ Pro Bowl quarterback is set to play a series or two in his first preseason action of the year against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

A year removed from an electric first season punctuated by being named the NFL Offensive Rooke of the Year, a stellar season in which he led the NFL in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio to join Tom Brady and Joe Montana in an exclusive fraternity of quarterbacks to reach that milestone in the same season, Stroud is expected to continue improving his dynamic game in his second NFL season.

Although the offense has dealt with some inconsistent moments in practice, they’ve been battling against an upgraded defense filled with talent that includes the additions of Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and athletic linebacker and team leader Azeez Al-Shaair to go with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and Pro Bowl alternate corner Derek Stingley Jr. And Stroud, competitive as anyone, has made technical strides and in his understanding and command of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense. With a loaded offense headlined by wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Joe Mixon, the potential for this unit is sky-high for a trendy Super Bowl contender.

As stellar as Stroud was as a rookie, there’s a high probability that he’ll be even better and more productive this season with the increased talent on the roster and the invaluable experience he gained last season as the Texans’ QB1.

“He looks good, he looks really good,” veteran Texans quarterback Case Keenum said. “I think he has grown, I think he is learning how to communicate with receivers in different ways and on a deeper level that will continue to stack reps. I have always said that there is communication off the field, verbally talking through stuff, showing each other things, looking at film.

“Then, there is communication on the field where we may be telling a play, or giving a route or check, but also they talk to us with their body language. The more we can see how they move in and out of breaks, especially when you are with new guys that are coming in like Stef. I think they are all making strides in different ways than they did last year. So, I am excited to continue to see that grow.”

Stroud passed for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions and became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game. He set a record for most pass attempts without an interception to start an NFL career. Can he elevate his game and his team for a deep playoff run or a Super Bowl? Time will tell that story, but it’s undeniable that Stroud keeps getting better and better.

“The same as everyone else, I just want to see him grow,” Slowik said. “Everybody has a whole lot that we can see continue to get better at, we can continue to improve upon, and it can be something big that really affects the entire offense or it can be something very small that is just for him individually. Every day we give out specific coaching points to individuals. Obviously, he gets a lot of those and just focusing on those every day, emphasizing those every day and just stacking good days right now is really huge for C.J.”

Although the expectations and ambitions of the Texans have expanded exponentially, that doesn’t necessarily change the approach of Stroud. Mature, composed and ultra-confident in his abilities, which include outstanding arm strength, accuracy, intellect and clutch performance, the 22-year-old is well aware that teams will be coming after the Texans and they definitely won’t sneak up on anyone this season.

“It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be harder,” Stroud said. “We have a target on our back this year. That’s how you should want it and that’s what I’m used to playing at Ohio State. I definitely do think that all the expectations, we just work, everything will take care of itself. The story is already written.”

Teammates see a difference in Stroud, an even better Stroud.

“Absolutely,” veteran guard Shaq Mason said. “He came in a with a mindset to just get better every day, that one percent. He spread that around the team.”

As the Texans prepare for a Sept. 8 season-opening road game against the division rival Indianapolis Colts, the team they beat to clinch the playoffs to close out the regular season last season, Stroud is extremely focused and he likes the chemistry in the locker room. This is a close team, and one determined to advance further in the postseason. The Texans, in the history of the franchise, are the only team in the AFC South that has never made it to the AFC championship game. They have never won a divisional round playoff game and lost last season to the Baltimore Ravens at that stage of the playoffs.

“Of course, we have not only a lot of expectations, we have a lot of big goals on this team,” Stroud said. “And that’s how it should be. The person that always doubts himself, probably, will never make it to that point. So, you’ve got to have confidence and have a goal and a plan and execute that plan. So, that’s what we’re doing. Really, you have to be where your feet are. We’re in training camp now, we’ve got to execute that and make sure that we’re taking every day to get better.”

Stroud organized several throwing sessions throughout the offseason, including in Los Angeles and Miami. He regularly has teammates over for dinner for meals prepares by his private chef. He likes the way this team gets along.

“I think you said it right there, just the camaraderie, the brotherhood,” Stroud said. “Last year, I was blessed enough to have no egos and everybody just wanted to see everyone do well, but also do well themselves, of course. When that’s in the locker room, it’s nothing but success waiting to happen. That’s kind of the vibe right now in the locker room.”

As Collins sees the situation, it’s all about improvement and continuing to build the momentum and confidence gained last season.

Stroud sets the tone for that mood.

“I feel like it’s new juice, new energy, new players,” Collins said. “I feel like the tempo is fine. Practice is going to be competitive, fun. I feel like that’s the best. Iron sharpens iron. I feel like it’s the only way we’re going to improve and make each other better.

“With the weapons that we have, man it is a hell of a thing,” Mixon said. “I think as long as we execute, do all the right things well, and build that chemistry I think that it’s going to go a long way. In the offense, the sky’s the limit. Everybody is going to eat.”

Since that playoff loss to the Ravens, the Texans added Diggs, Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Mixon.

As Stroud sets his goals for the upcoming season, he wants to be even more aggressive about going after the defense and pushing the action when there are opportunities to capitalize on.

“I really can say just like owning the offense more, the operation, putting more on my plate with run checks, protection checks, things like that,” Stroud said. “I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back and also take what the defense gives me. If it’s boring, if it’s a boring play, just stay with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. So, those are all things I can get better at and I hope to do that.”

The maturity of Stroud and his work ethic are major pluses for the entire organization. They have their quarterback of the present and future in place for years to come.

“He’s always had a good attitude,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “He’s always got a good work ethic and highly confident in himself. I think in the offseason he may experiment with some different techniques or some different things that maybe can help you as a player. So, from the day he’s walked in the building, he’s had a good approach. He’s a talented player. He’s a good player.”.

As Stroud goes, so goes the outlook of the football team.

While he’s being counted on heavily to duplicate or improve upon last year, the Texans couldn’t have much more confidence in his ability to compartmentalize all of the responsibilities and mantle of leadership.

“Now in his second year, there is a comfort level, so you can be a little bit more vocal to the entire team and not just speaking to the offense,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “But the team has his ear, and he can lean on that a little bit more. C.J. doesn’t to have change anything, just has to be himself.

“That’s what has made C.J. a special player, him being himself. He has a great family, was raised the right way, does all things the right way. Just continues to be himself and guys will follow him because of how he works, how he shows up with a great attitude. That’s why guys follow him.”

Stroud won the Pro Football Writers of America annual Media Good Guy award. He had already been recognized by the Houston chapter for his cooperation and candor with the media who cover him on a daily basis. Stroud has displayed the same personality and work habits ever since he arrived in Houston.

“I would say the C.J. you’re getting is the C.J. that’s always been here,” Stroud said. “I don’t plan on changing no time soon. Of course, had some success, but I always remember how quick they love you is how quick they hate you. So, I’m head down, working, tunnel vision on just my goals and these team goals we have.

“Walking around the street, I get a little more recognition and people noticing me, but I just try to show love. Let people know I’m a normal person that just plays football on TV sometimes. I think I’m pretty normal, but I’m blessed to be this man for sure.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com