Texans QB Case Keenum 'I've Been In' C.J. Stroud's Shoes
Houston Texans fans, it's the morning after Houston's preseason opener and quarterback C.J. Stroud's first-ever NFL start. It's time to take a breath, a step back and remember it's the preseason.
It's easy to overreact to Stroud's interception on his second-ever pass. It's natural. However, it's out of the way now and it didn't seem to bother Stroud, as quarterback Case Keenum said his demeanor remained good throughout the night.
Keenum empathized with Stroud and knows the No. 2 overall draft pick was left "definitely wanting more" after Thursday night.
"I've been in his shoes too, where the first preseason game, you've been getting a lot of reps in camp and then you come out and you're getting maybe one or two drives," Keenum said. "You're maybe about to get in a rhythm, you get hit a few times, you start getting going and then you get taken out and it's tough. If you don't start fast, well then it's over."
Stroud completed his first pass attempt to wide receiver Nico Collins but then was intercepted by Patriots safety Jalen Mills. The safety sat deep in New England's coverage, Stroud didn't look him off and he picked off a pass intended for wide receiver Tank Dell.
Quarterback Davis Mills said when Stroud returned to the sideline after the interception, the message was to keep his head up and "flush it."
"Stuff like that happens," Mills said. "I've thrown interceptions in my career. You got to have the mindset, and I know he does, that you're gonna be able to bounce back and go out there and continue ripping it in tight windows and making big-time throws."
The Rancho Cucamonga, California, native was sacked once but scrambled twice for six yards as well.
Stroud said he was thankful for the opportunity and that he'll learn from his first NFL game.
"I just wish I didn't do one mistake on one certain play," Stroud said. "Other than that, thought I played solid, felt good to get hit again and just get back in the groove. That's what preseason's for. It's important just to get back and put your feet back in the water."
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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