Houston — The Houston Texans’ main goal in 2024 will aim to equal or exceed their 2023 season’s success. With a 10-7 regular season record, the Texans surprised even their own low expectations by making it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Texans’ success, according to rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, can be attributed primarily to trust between the players and the coaching staff. Regarding the upcoming season, Stroud is prepared to “run it back,” particularly with the return of quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
“We came in know that it was our first year in everybody’s eyes, but we’ve been playing ball at a high level for a long time,” Stroud stated. “I’ve made a ton of wonderful connections with both our rookies and veterans. They’re all my brothers. Growing alongside a group of men who genuinely want to play football has been incredible. This year, we’re attempting to run it again and do even better.”
The best illustration of how the Texans laid the groundwork for a bright future is Stroud. Coming out of Ohio State, he was ranked as the No. 2 prospect at his position going into the 2023 NFL Draft. However, nine months later, after having one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in league history, Stroud was named to his first Pro Bowl.
After completing 63.9 percent of his passes, Stroud concluded the regular season with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions—the third-most passing yards for a rookie quarterback. Together with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, Stroud was the Texans’ third-ever selection to the Pro Bowl. In addition, he became the first rookie at his position in franchise history and the first quarterback to accomplish the record since Deshaun Watson in 2019.
