Texans Expect C.J. Stroud To Make A Big Leap Beyond Rookie Of Year Season
The rest of the Earth is giving the Houston Texans their flowers and expecting big things based on the talent the club has added. That's not exactly how coach DeMeco Ryans sees. it.
Yes, the Texans should be better in 2024 because they traded for 1,000-yard receiver Stefon Diggs. And 1,000-yard running back Joe Mixon. And signed 16.5-sack edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
But the improvement Ryans is perhaps most excited about is from offensive rookie of the year C.J. Stroud. And defensive rookie of the year Will Anderson. And probably dynamic rookie receiver Tank Dell, too.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) DeMeco Ryans, CJ Stroud, and Will Anderson Jr. attend the 13th Annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Texans‘Put ’23 Rookies In Spotlight
Because those guys from the 2023 draft are going into their second season after fine rookie years. And there's generally a leap to make in the second season.
"For all younger players, especially the rookies last year, from Year 1 to Year 2, that's where you see the biggest jump, or I've seen in my career," Ryans said Monday. "Guys have a true offseason to dedicate and focus on themselves and them getting better.
"They don't have to worry about the combine or draft prep. They can truly work on the things we've asked them to do."
This applies to all the rookies, but let's be honest, everyone is focused on the quarterback. On Stroud.
And if he makes a leap in Year 2 – with the 23 TDs, 5 interceptions and 4,108 passing yards from 2023 being the launch pad -- that suggests a monster season ahead.
Houston looks to get a big performance jump from QB C.J. Stroud in 2024. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Can C.J. Stroud Answer Questions?
So, yes, the suggestion that Stroud would make a leap is a scary proposition for opponents and something to be excited about in Houston.
"With C.J. we're very proud of his success in his first year," Ryans said. "I mean, he came in and probably shocked a lot of people in how he played. He played at a very high level. He continued to progress and get better throughout the entire year. So we're very excited about what he was able to do.
"Now, can he pick up where he left from? Right? As he finished the year off, he had a very strong year, but as a player you're always your toughest critic. Can he continue to master those [techniques and fundamentals]? Can he master those things to lead our team in the way he's done it?
"I'm excited to work with him for another year."
DeMeco Ryans becomes the third-straight black head coach hired by the Houston Texans. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Texans Can Build On Foundation
There are reasons for optimism that Stroud can indeed grow and improve on last season. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is back after drawing attention during the head coach hiring cycle. Quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson also returns.
"It's a plus for him," Ryans said of how that affects Stroud. "We're still doing our same scheme, same system. So he's already a step ahead of where he started last year. So I'm excited to see his growth from Year 1 to Year 2."
Stroud himself is equally excited.
"All the rookies, coming into Year 2, you know, everything is starting to slow down," the quarterback said. "The wheels aren't turning so much up in your head. You're starting to play ball."
"…It's a lot of learning things that I went through last year. It was really good to be with a lot of young guys. We built that foundation, I felt. And now it's time to up it another scale. And for myself, first and foremost, that's being a leader and my play."
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports)
C.J. Stroud ‘Excited’ About 2024
Stroud should be able to process faster, be more capable of handling surprises, because he's obviously more experienced now. But while he has more information from last year to draw on, he also has taken advantage of not having so much clutter on his mind.
That's how it was last year at this time when he was traveling around the country to meet with multiple teams before the draft. Stroud, at the time, had to learn the significant parts of the offense those teams sent him prior to his visits.
That's a bunch of Xs and Os.
This offseason, there's been none of that. He knows what he's doing within the Texans offense, and he's instead spent time working out with his receiver corps in Los Angeles.
"I'm excited," Stroud said. "I think I got a lot a lot better these past couple of weeks working with my guys in L.A. Now it's time to get better with my team and take every little step."
Maybe it will be a little step. Maybe it will be a leap.