'Command The Huddle': Texans' DeMeco Ryans Irons Out QB C.J. Stroud's Expectations
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans named rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud the starter for Thursday's preseason opener against the New England Patriots on Monday, so what now?
What are realistic expectations from Stroud, who will be facing a defensive-minded head coach in Bill Belichick when taking his first-ever NFL snap? Ryans isn't worried about numbers, but more so the intangibles Stroud possesses.
"From C.J. in this game, I just want to see a guy come out and command the huddle and command the offense," Ryans said. "Get us lined up, get everybody on the same page and operate efficiently."
Stroud, who was a captain at Ohio State in 2022, has shown leadership tendencies in training camp so far.
Texans quarterback Case Keenum is entering his 11th year in the NFL and said he was impressed with Stroud's "unwavering focus on getting better" over the last couple of weeks.
"I've been really impressed with his confidence," Keenum said. "We all want plays back, decisions back, reps back, but some of his best plays came after a mistake. And I think his confidence, his unwavering mindset of just trying to get better, trying to put the team in the best possible situation, the ball where it needs to go."
Keenum acknowledged the pressure Stroud is under being the No. 2 overall draft pick, and the potential face of Houston's franchise now has his chance to go earn his stripes Thursday.
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