C.J. Stroud 'Blessed' To Be Named Texans Starting QB
HOUSTON — When the Houston Texans drafted C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, it was all but a foregone conclusion to most that the franchise would name the Ohio State prospect as the starting quarterback.
However, three hours into his tenure, general manager Nick Caserio thwarted all starting quarterback conversations regarding Stroud.
"We'll do what we feel is in the best interests of the team," Caserio said in April. "We're really not about labels or terminology around here...Whenever we get to that point with whoever those players are, ultimately, that's what our intention and our goal is going to be."
The Texans went four months without naming Stroud the full-time starter. And since the start of OTAs, Stroud had been in a quarterback competition with Davis Mills — who started 15 out of 17 games last season.
But after the Texans closed their three-game preseason schedule with a 17-13 victory win over the New Orleans Saints, Stroud would not leave the Big Easy without receiving the news that he would be starting against the Baltimore Ravens come Week 1 of the 2023 regular season. Brian Barefield of USA Today was the first to report.
"I'm blessed to be able to be a starter so young and this league — which is not the easiest thing to do," Stroud said. "It's something that I think I worked for and definitely earned. But at the same time, nothing else really changes. I'm still going to work the way I've been working — even more now."
The official announcement of Stroud taking the helm as the Texans' full-time starter wasn't a surprise. He had taken all first-team reps since Day 7 of training camp. And during the Texans' 2-1 preseason outing, Stroud started all three exhibition games.
Stroud played two drives against the Saints, finishing 2-of-4 for 16 yards. And during his final play of the preseason, Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for his first career touchdown.
His play at the Caesars Superdome Stadium was a small sample size for coach DeMeco Ryans. Ryans said he has been impressed by his ongoing progression, and his faith in Stroud's work ethic gave him a strong belief in his final decision.
Stroud has pushed himself tirelessly to fix every mistake before the start of the regular season. And when self-evaluating his progressions since OTAs, Stroud believes his footwork and eyesight have improved. He also credited his development to the game slowing down.
"Being myself is all I need," Stroud said. "I have to make the offense mine like how I think about plays, and of course, how to get on the same page with Bobby [Slowik]. But I think that's something I've gotten more used to, being myself as I'm trying to do new things I'm asked to do."
After a rough debut against the New England Patriots on Aug. 10, Stroud has completed 56.2 percent of his passes for 76 yards. His most significant improvement has been his ability to take care of the ball after throwing an interception at Gillette Stadium.
Although blessed with the opportunity, Stroud could not answer if he is ready to take the helm as the Texans' next starting quarterback. But he is determined to use the next two weeks to prepare himself for the season opener in Baltimore.
And due to Caserio's willingness to wait before prematurely handing a rookie quarterback the starting job, Stroud's play could be more pleasing against the Ravens, given that he had to fight for his place as QB1.
"I am really excited to do that," Stroud said. "I don't know if I'm ready or not. Well, God willing, I will be. And I think I am."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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