The Houston Texans are looking to finish out the season strong against the Indianapolis Colts, and C.J. Stroud is looking forward to the opportunity. Stroud and his fellow Texans starters will at least start the game, though how long they will play remains uncertain.
It could very well depend on situations beyond their control.
At any rate, Stroud spoke candidly about his comfort level in offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s offense and the Texans’ trajectory.
C.J Stroud Touts Texans After ‘Best Game’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stroud started the season slowly, and he missed three games while in concussion protocol, all of which the Texans won.
He has 2,872 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions on a career-high 64.8% completion in his 13 starts. In Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers , Stroud posted a 244-2-2 line on 57.1% completion, his fourth-worst mark of the campaign.
And yet, Stroud emerged as confident as ever in his command of Caley’s system.
“I think this past game was probably my best game, process-wise, of getting us in the right checks, the right calls, and motion, timing, cadence, everything. So, I just want to build on that. And I think around–we have some things that we need to clean that we know,” Stroud told reporters on December 31.
“I think we’re peaking at the right time. We’re starting to click at the right time. So, we got to just keep that going. I think this will be another opportunity to do that.
C.J. Stroud Playing With Clear Focus
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on during warm-ups before facing the Las Vegas Raiders .
Stroud admitted to pressing when things did not go as planned during his younger years, but said that he has grown in patience. He also knows he and the Texans still have issues to iron out on the field.
“There’s a lot of things,” Stroud said. “I think just finishing games is the main thing. Stuff happens. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re not going to execute every play to the highest level. That’s the goal. But it’s about finding wins at the end of the day, and I think we’ve been able to do that at a higher level towards the end.”
Stroud was asked to assess his season, which he said he had not done and was more likely to do during the postseason.
However, he spoke about keeping a short memory and how that has helped him this season .
“I try to look at it as forgetting my failures, forgetting my successes as quick as possible. Because everybody tell you how bad you are. And then when you’re doing good, they’ll tell you how good you are. And then, you can flip that coin a bunch of times during the season,” he said.
“You got to, just find love in yourself. And that’s something that I’ve been working on is, just finding love in what I do, how I do it, no matter the result. Just fall in love with the process. And that’s something that–it’s kept me grounded. So, I really try not to look at it now because we have bigger things ahead of us going forward.”
C.J. Stroud Embracing Playing in Finale Amid Good News
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts.
If the Jacksonville Jaguars get out to an early lead on the Tennessee Titans , Stroud and the starters could rest after getting some reps against the Colts.
That is of no consequence to Stroud, who is eager to take the field in Week 18.
“It’s an honor. Every chance I get to play in the NFL , every day. I cherish walkthroughs to game days to training camp, everything. It’s a privilege and honor, and I’m super grateful to be able to play,” Stroud said.
“And I’m a Texan. So, I’m here. I’m going to do what I’m asked, and we’re going to play, and I’m excited to. It’s a good challenge for us, and end our season the right way.”
He could have his left tackle back.
The Texans listed a host of starters as non-participants on their first injury report of Week 18. However, rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery was among those who took the field in some capacity.
“#Texans manage injuries,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 31. “Rest: Nico Collins , Derek Stingley Jr. , Kamari Lassiter , Trent Brown don’t practice Wednesday along with Azeez Al-Shaair , Dalton Schultz , Sheldon Rankins , Denico Autry while Aireontae Ersery practices.”
The Texans have two more practice sessions this week to get their injured and resting players as healthy as possible for the finale.
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