'He Earned It': Texans Praise Starting QB C.J. Stroud's Talents, Leadership

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was named the week 1 starter Sunday.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud dropped back, surveyed the field and hit wide receiver Nico Collins on a 3-yard crossing route — a play the rookie said the duo spent extra time running after practice, making the score that much more satisfying.

The former Ohio State Buckeye's progression throughout the preseason was capped off with his first career touchdown pass, and after the game, head coach DeMeco Ryans made the well-known secret official: Stroud will be the Texans' week 1 starting quarterback.

"Nothing else really changes," Stroud said after the Texans' 17-13 win. "I'm still going to work like the way I'm working even more now. I'm blessed to be able to be a starter so, so young in his league, which isn't the easiest thing to do. But, I know my coaches have trust and faith in me, so I'm going to go out there and try to do my best."

Stroud exhibited the same qualities Sunday that he put on display for two years at Ohio State: poise, arm strength and accuracy — and even a little reluctance to scramble on a third down.

He went 2-for-4 for 16 yards and the score, but arguably his best throw was an over-the-shoulder pass he dropped in the bucket to Collins approximately 36 yards down the left sideline. Collins tracked it well, but a good play from New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor to knock the ball away at the last second forced an incompletion.

"Dropping dimes," Collins told KPRC of Stroud. "He's got a ball for sure. That's what preseason's for. We get back to work and, when the season comes, we connect."

Stroud said there are similarities between Ohio State's and Houston's offense, but he's overcome the differences between the two between his work in practice, how he reads coverages and calls plays.

However, his play on the field isn't the only thing that won him the job. His leadership off of it has won over the locker room, something that Stroud said means a little more to him.

"Something about football — I wouldn't say it just happens, but everything happens naturally," Stroud said. "You're going to play good or you're not, whatever is gonna happen happens, but locker rooms, those are where really the bonds and brotherhoods and things that really need something to me happen. I just came in and was myself, and I think guys gravitated towards me."

Texans running back Dameon Pierce said he "kind of knew" Stroud was going to be Houston's Week 1 starting quarterback.

"He earned it. He came in to work since day 1," Pierce told KPRC. "He did his job. He lived up to all the hype. Great kid off the field and even a better player on it. Great leader and I'm excited for him."

Ryans said the Texans aren't where they need to be ahead of week 1. He said that Stroud understands that and he and Houston need to improve before the Texans take the field against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.

Ryans said Stroud took the necessary steps in the right direction Sunday.

"I thought he did a really good job," Ryans said. "(He) continued to progress, had a good week last week versus Miami and, to come back out this week, the ball placement again was very nice."

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