'Make The Right Pass!' Desmond King's Advice to Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Rookie Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has taken all the first-team reps in camp over the past two days as Ryans and Co. hope he can earn the starting spot for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Houston Texans are an improving work in progress. A new head coach, the team's third in as many seasons, a rookie quarterback, and a new mindset. Coach DeMeco Ryans is preaching consistency this training camp, and he's hoping his new quarterback will be a product of that philosophy.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has taken all the first-team reps in camp over the past two days as Ryans and Co. hope he can earn the starting spot for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Stroud threw two beautiful, perfectly-placed touchdown passes in practice on Saturday, one to running back Dameon Pierce, and one to tight end Mason Schreck. In the process, Stroud has shown the ability to adapt and learn quickly, impressing teammate Desmond King.

“I talk to him here and there and let him know that it is ok to check the ball down to your safety (receiver), said Texans DB Desmond King when I asked about the progression of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/yZzYUur6HY

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 6, 2023

“I talk to him here and there and let him know that it is ok to check the ball down to your safety (receiver or back),” said Desmond King when asked about the progression of Stroud. “I know you want to make that one (spectacular) pass, but sometimes you have to make the right pass instead of the pass you want.”

Stroud will have to impress more than just his teammates to earn the starting job. Competing for the starting role under center is incumbent Davis Mills, who started 26 games over the past two seasons. But Mills has managed just a 5-19-1 record in that time.

It's a new Texans team. But will they move forward with Mills or Stroud under center? We'll know in 35 days.

---

Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.