Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.
Houston Texans forever - all I want for Xmas is for Tank to be ok (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter GregR
- Start date
GregR
Footballguy
The current roster
Quarterbacks (2): C.J. Stroud, Davis MillsRunning backs (5): Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale, British Brooks
Offensive tackles (4): Laremy Tunsil, Blake Fisher, Tytus Howard, Nick Broeker
Guards (3): Shaq Mason, Kenyon Green, Kendrick Green
Center (2): Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson
Tight ends (3): Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover
Wide receivers (7): Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, Steven Sims, Robert Woods
Defensive end (4): Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Jerry Hughes, Derek Barnett
Defensive tackles (4): Foley Fatukasi, Khalil Davis, Tim Settle Jr., Mario Edwards
Linebackers (6): Azeez Al-Shaair, Jake Hansen, Henry To’oTo’o, Del’Shawn Phillips, Jamal Hill, Neville Hewitt
Safety (5): Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray, M.J. Stewart, Calen Bullock
Cornerbacks (5): Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jeff Okudah, Kris Boyd, Myles Bryant
Special teams (3): K Ka’imi Fairbarin, P Tommy Townsend, LS Jon Weeks
Other transactions:
Released: FB Nick Bowden, FB Andrew Beck, QB Tim Boyle, WR Noah Brown, OT Cameron Erving, CB Mike Ford, OT Charlie Heck, CB CJ Henderson, S Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB Desmond King II, LB Jacob Phillips, G Chris Reed, CB, D'Angelo Ross, OT David Sharpe.Waived-injured: RB Jawhar Jordan, DE Pheldarius Payne, TE Teagan Quitoriano.
Injured reserve/designated to return: LB Christian Harris, DT Kurt Hinish.
Reserve/injured reserve (out for season): S Brandon Hill, QB Case Keenum.
Reserve/non-football injury: DE Dylan Horton.
Reserve/suspended: DE Denico Auty.
Here were the unreported players who were cut: defensive tackle McTelvin Agim, defensive end Solomon Byrd, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, Ben Skowronek, and Johnny Johnson, guard Dieter Eiselen, defensive ends Malik Fisher and Ali Gaye, defensive tackle Marcus Harris, running back J.J. Taylor, and offensive tackle Kilian Zierlen.
GregR
Footballguy
Houston Texans
Playcaller: Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator
Experience: This is Slowik's second year calling plays for the Texans.
What to know: Slowik is big on getting his playmakers the ball in space and throwing the ball over the middle of the field. When throwing over the middle of the field last season, quarterback C.J. Stroud had the highest passer rating in the NFL (115) and threw for the fourth-most yards. Tight end Brevin Jordan said that "Bobby's whole thing is to get the guys in an open space. Get them in one-on-one situations and let them go in." -- DJ Bien-Aime
Key stat: The Texans spent 40% of their offensive snaps under center, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL last season. In 2022 with San Francisco, the 49ers ranked 10th in snaps under center with Slowik calling the plays. -- ESPN Stats & Info
Playcaller: Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator
Experience: This is Slowik's second year calling plays for the Texans.
What to know: Slowik is big on getting his playmakers the ball in space and throwing the ball over the middle of the field. When throwing over the middle of the field last season, quarterback C.J. Stroud had the highest passer rating in the NFL (115) and threw for the fourth-most yards. Tight end Brevin Jordan said that "Bobby's whole thing is to get the guys in an open space. Get them in one-on-one situations and let them go in." -- DJ Bien-Aime
Key stat: The Texans spent 40% of their offensive snaps under center, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL last season. In 2022 with San Francisco, the 49ers ranked 10th in snaps under center with Slowik calling the plays. -- ESPN Stats & Info
GregR
Footballguy
The Texans have agreed to a one-year contract extension with backup quarterback Davis Mills, a source with knowledge of the agreement told the Chronicle on Wednesday morning.
Mills' extension is reportedly worth up to $5 million in new money, according to NFL Network, with incentives based on playing time -- a fairly standard and reasonable deal for a backup quarterback. It's likely Mills could have gotten more.
Mills' extension is reportedly worth up to $5 million in new money, according to NFL Network, with incentives based on playing time -- a fairly standard and reasonable deal for a backup quarterback. It's likely Mills could have gotten more.
GregR
Footballguy
When asked about the health and availability of star second-year defensive end Will Anderson, Ryans was positive but non-definitive.
“We'll see where we go throughout the week,” Ryans said. “Feeling good about all our guys. Ready to get rolling for the year.”
Anderson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, has not practiced since the week of the Aug. 1 Hall of Fame game.
If Anderson is not “ready to get rolling,” the Texans will more heavily rely on some new and somewhat familiar faces for edge pressure at Indy. Free-agent signee Danielle Hunter joins the Texans after racking up a career-best 16.5 sacks with Minnesota last season and will form a formidable pass rush duo with Anderson when both are on the field. But if Anderson is out Houston will have to turn to depth ends Jerry Hughes and/or Derek Barnett opposite Hunter. The two have experience in relief, having combined for six starts last season when Anderson and Jonathan Greenard faced injuries at the end of the year.
“We'll see where we go throughout the week,” Ryans said. “Feeling good about all our guys. Ready to get rolling for the year.”
Anderson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, has not practiced since the week of the Aug. 1 Hall of Fame game.
If Anderson is not “ready to get rolling,” the Texans will more heavily rely on some new and somewhat familiar faces for edge pressure at Indy. Free-agent signee Danielle Hunter joins the Texans after racking up a career-best 16.5 sacks with Minnesota last season and will form a formidable pass rush duo with Anderson when both are on the field. But if Anderson is out Houston will have to turn to depth ends Jerry Hughes and/or Derek Barnett opposite Hunter. The two have experience in relief, having combined for six starts last season when Anderson and Jonathan Greenard faced injuries at the end of the year.
GregR
Footballguy
May have to boycott ESPN. They have a video clip just giving written highlights of MNF matchups for the coming season. One of them highlights Texans-Cowboys playing for the Governor's Cup. And then saying: Houston played their inaugural game against Dallas in 2002, with the Cowboys winning 19-10.
fact checkers!
fact checkers!
Major
Footballguy
May have to boycott ESPN. They have a video clip just giving written highlights of MNF matchups for the coming season. One of them highlights Texans-Cowboys playing for the Governor's Cup. And then saying: Houston played their inaugural game against Dallas in 2002, with the Cowboys winning 19-10.
That was such a fun and unexpected win. I remember thinking this Texans team may not be that bad after all
GregR
Footballguy
Texans' Will Anderson Jr. returns to practice, says he's good to go for opener against Colts
Texans star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said Wednesday he will be ready to play in the team’s Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
When asked whether he would be good to go for this Sunday’s game at Lucas Oil Stadium, Anderson had a simple assurance.
“Of course, of course, of course,” Anderson said.
The 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year practiced Wednesday for the first time in a month. Anderson had been dealing with an ankle injury since the week of the Aug. 1 Hall of Fame game.
The second-year pro also did not show up on the Texans' injury report released Wednesday.
GregR
Footballguy
With the exception of linebacker Christian Harris and defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, who are on the short-term injured reserve, everyone practiced fully with no injury designations except safety M.J. Stewart, who has been out the past few weeks with a knee injury.
Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. returned after missing a month with an ankle injury. He said earlier this week that he expected to play.
Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. returned after missing a month with an ankle injury. He said earlier this week that he expected to play.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Mixon looks like Arian Foster out there
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Ward is killing me on the deep passes
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Another horrible spot. That's a first down
GregR
Footballguy
Cross posting what I just put in the game thread.
Started watching late and just caught up at the end.
Great job by both the Texans O-line, and Mixon. Mixon did a lot more with the rock than we've seen in Houston for a few years with what he had. But the O-line did a great job giving him holes as well.
Stroud had a nice day, exactly what they needed from him. All 3 Texans WRs were involved, good job by Slowik with the play calling. Diggs with a pair of red zone TDs. I had suspected we might see Diggs get more of the red zone opportunities than the others. Good to see Nico over 100 yards. And Tank didn't have a lot of yards this game, but big play on the reverse, and a few throws that CJ wasn't able to step into that went to Tank. Not worried about him getting his over the course of the season.
I know the announcers at halftime talked about how good Anthony Richardson looked. But I really didn't see it, not in the passing game. A lot of inaccurate throws. Their only offense was the run, and deep passes. And Richardson missed on some of the open deep passes at that. As a Texans fan, this game made me feel more comfortable about Richardson in the division, not worse.
Texans Run D did a nice job. Didn't shut Indy down, but they made Richardson have to win it throwing, and he couldn't do it. Secondary needs to tighten up on those deep routes that they got beat on though. Interested to see what the coverages were. They might have shown replays during the game itself but I was fast forwarding between snaps a lot for starting late, so didn't catch where the busts were except for Lassiter getting beat and committing the foul.
Started watching late and just caught up at the end.
Great job by both the Texans O-line, and Mixon. Mixon did a lot more with the rock than we've seen in Houston for a few years with what he had. But the O-line did a great job giving him holes as well.
Stroud had a nice day, exactly what they needed from him. All 3 Texans WRs were involved, good job by Slowik with the play calling. Diggs with a pair of red zone TDs. I had suspected we might see Diggs get more of the red zone opportunities than the others. Good to see Nico over 100 yards. And Tank didn't have a lot of yards this game, but big play on the reverse, and a few throws that CJ wasn't able to step into that went to Tank. Not worried about him getting his over the course of the season.
I know the announcers at halftime talked about how good Anthony Richardson looked. But I really didn't see it, not in the passing game. A lot of inaccurate throws. Their only offense was the run, and deep passes. And Richardson missed on some of the open deep passes at that. As a Texans fan, this game made me feel more comfortable about Richardson in the division, not worse.
Texans Run D did a nice job. Didn't shut Indy down, but they made Richardson have to win it throwing, and he couldn't do it. Secondary needs to tighten up on those deep routes that they got beat on though. Interested to see what the coverages were. They might have shown replays during the game itself but I was fast forwarding between snaps a lot for starting late, so didn't catch where the busts were except for Lassiter getting beat and committing the foul.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Titans blew one to the Bears too. Excellent.
GregR
Footballguy
Texans drives:
Field Goal, 6 plays 21 yards
Field Goal, 7 plays 38 yards
Touchdown, 7 plays 81 yards
Punt, 3 plays -4 yards
End of half (should have been FG) 8 plays 61yards
Field Goal, 9 plays 37 yards
Blocked punt, 5 plays 8 yards
Touchdown, 13 plays 70 yards
Touchdown, 11 plays 70 yards
End of Game, 8 plays 25 yards
10 drives, only 2 not ending in points or ending a half.
Field Goal, 6 plays 21 yards
Field Goal, 7 plays 38 yards
Touchdown, 7 plays 81 yards
Punt, 3 plays -4 yards
End of half (should have been FG) 8 plays 61yards
Field Goal, 9 plays 37 yards
Blocked punt, 5 plays 8 yards
Touchdown, 13 plays 70 yards
Touchdown, 11 plays 70 yards
End of Game, 8 plays 25 yards
10 drives, only 2 not ending in points or ending a half.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Pass protection and Jimmie Ward playing the deep pass were my biggest pet peeves today. Wondering how Bullock might fare down the line there. He's shown good range.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Good summary. Wasn’t able to watch the game here in ChicagoLand.
Son and I are all-in with the Texans this year. I’m from Green Bay and would love to see a Texans-Packers championship game someday. Will be at Lambeau in October to see CJ Stroud and Nico Collins!!!
GregR
Footballguy
ESPN: Mixon ran well against every defensive look the Colts threw at Houston. He ran for 88 yards against a light box, 34 yards against a neutral box and 37 yards against a stacked box. Mixon said he told the offensive line earlier in the week "let's go get 150 to start it off."
I wish they included how many carries against each of those defensive looks.
I wish they included how many carries against each of those defensive looks.
Major
Footballguy
GregR
Footballguy
Eye-popping advanced stat: Stroud was pressured on 38% of his dropbacks and sacked four times. That's something that has to be fixed if the Texans want to keep Stroud healthy throughout the season. It will also limit the effectiveness of players around Stroud in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell.
Liked seeing the new weapons doing well since that was the offseason emphasis. Worried about the offensive line, last year the excuse was injuries, I guess now its lack of practice together in the preseason. Think they will be our biggest liability again other than our secondary who continue to get torched deep.
But hey, much better opener than last years 1st game against the Colts!
But hey, much better opener than last years 1st game against the Colts!
GregR
Footballguy
The pass blocking definitely needs to be better.
But the run blocking was pretty fantastic I thought.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Do you think Bullock and his range could help with defending the deep ball? Not sure how they rotate or use the safeties, but I'd rather have Bullock playing deep half or deep middle than Ward or Murray.
Major
Footballguy
The hits just keep coming. I've been hard on Casserio at times especially not cashing in when Watson initially demanded a trade but finding a team to take him when the allegations arose is a minor miracle and changed the course of history for the Texans. I thought they were going to get pennies on the dollar.
So blessed to have CJ. He's the real deal not only on the field but off
GregR
Footballguy
Casserio got a lot of criticism. He definitely has gone a long way to redeeming himself from it.
I was slow to critique him for the length of time for the turnaround. Because BOB traded away our draft picks so Casserio had very little to work with. I fully expected it was going to take some time. Actually they turned it around faster than I thought, as I didn't expect us to get what we did for Watson, nor to hit the jackpot as we did with CJ.
I also didn't blame Casserio much for the coaching hires. I think Culley was entirely about hoping to appease Deshaun (Culley was on his list of desirable coaches) before the lawsuits dropped. I literally said at the time I would consider bringing in a coach Watson liked to try to get him back in the fold. Which is exactly what I think happened.
I think Casserio's hands were tied on McCown->Lovie Smith by the ownership's connection to Jack Easterby forcing McCown on them, and then the Flores lawsuit blew up that situation and frankly there wasn't a great option at that point. I mean if someone wants to criticize him that he couldn't convince his boss (yet) to kick his assumed spiritual advisor to the curb... ok. I just don't think it's a fair criticism without knowing more. They did get rid of Easterby, just took more time. I imagine Casserio was working things there as best he could.
Obviously that Demeco became available and this was his preferred destination helped tremendously. I won't say that beneficial stuff hasn't fallen into Casserio's lap in the end. It did. That we ended up with CJ rather than Chicago going with our trade offer to move up, that Tank worked out so well, etc. But ultimately Casserio made the moves.
I was slow to critique him for the length of time for the turnaround. Because BOB traded away our draft picks so Casserio had very little to work with. I fully expected it was going to take some time. Actually they turned it around faster than I thought, as I didn't expect us to get what we did for Watson, nor to hit the jackpot as we did with CJ.
I also didn't blame Casserio much for the coaching hires. I think Culley was entirely about hoping to appease Deshaun (Culley was on his list of desirable coaches) before the lawsuits dropped. I literally said at the time I would consider bringing in a coach Watson liked to try to get him back in the fold. Which is exactly what I think happened.
I think Casserio's hands were tied on McCown->Lovie Smith by the ownership's connection to Jack Easterby forcing McCown on them, and then the Flores lawsuit blew up that situation and frankly there wasn't a great option at that point. I mean if someone wants to criticize him that he couldn't convince his boss (yet) to kick his assumed spiritual advisor to the curb... ok. I just don't think it's a fair criticism without knowing more. They did get rid of Easterby, just took more time. I imagine Casserio was working things there as best he could.
Obviously that Demeco became available and this was his preferred destination helped tremendously. I won't say that beneficial stuff hasn't fallen into Casserio's lap in the end. It did. That we ended up with CJ rather than Chicago going with our trade offer to move up, that Tank worked out so well, etc. But ultimately Casserio made the moves.
GregR
Footballguy
Article breaking down the deep coverage gaffs
Two on Jimmy Ward.
One on Stingley jumping a route where the receiver may have fooled Richardson too by running the wrong route (incomplete pass resulted). He was apparently waving his hands in a "not sure what to do" way before the snap.
Another was the one Lassiter bit on a double move and committed the foul when he realized he was beat.
Two on Jimmy Ward.
One on Stingley jumping a route where the receiver may have fooled Richardson too by running the wrong route (incomplete pass resulted). He was apparently waving his hands in a "not sure what to do" way before the snap.
Another was the one Lassiter bit on a double move and committed the foul when he realized he was beat.
GregR
Footballguy
Watched the game again and paid a lot of attention to Kenyon Green play after play.
He did a good job on run blocking. Sometimes very good, even his poorer plays were adequate though.
Pass blocking was more middling, though that wasn't just him but the whole line. They didn't handle some of the blitzes well as a group. Hopefully Green can live up to his first round draft slot this year.
He did a good job on run blocking. Sometimes very good, even his poorer plays were adequate though.
Pass blocking was more middling, though that wasn't just him but the whole line. They didn't handle some of the blitzes well as a group. Hopefully Green can live up to his first round draft slot this year.
Last edited:
GregR
Footballguy
Houston Texans' Calen Bullock Earns Best NFL Rookie Grade: 'Full-Time Starter' Says Analyst
Former USC Trojans safety Calen Bullock made his NFL debut for the Houston Texans and earned the best NFL rookie grade. "Only a matter of time till he’s a full-time starter” says NFL analyst.
This was the PFF grade the article is talking about.
Former USC Trojans safety Calen Bullock made his NFL debut for the Houston Texans and earned the best NFL rookie grade. "Only a matter of time till he’s a full-time starter” says NFL analyst.
This was the PFF grade the article is talking about.
GregR
Footballguy
CBS rookie rankings
6. CB Kamari Lassiter, Texans
Lassiter got a little loose in coverage but he broke hard on the football and played the ball well upon arrival. Three of the four passes in his direction fell incomplete and the lone completion went for 8 yards, according to TruMedia. Lassiter showed a good sense of awareness and played with high energy.
6. CB Kamari Lassiter, Texans
Lassiter got a little loose in coverage but he broke hard on the football and played the ball well upon arrival. Three of the four passes in his direction fell incomplete and the lone completion went for 8 yards, according to TruMedia. Lassiter showed a good sense of awareness and played with high energy.
GregR
Footballguy
Great read so sharing the whole thing, but will highlight a few favorite points.
www.espn.com
HOUSTON -- Inside the Houston Texans' meeting room last week, a debate broke out as the offense was preparing for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was discussing a pass play and how he wanted the receivers to run routes against the Colts' Cover 3 look. Receiver Stefon Diggs spoke up, saying he thought the routes should be shorter.
After a few minutes of back-and-forth between coaches and players, everyone turned around and looked at quarterback C.J. Stroud for the final say. When Slowik asked him, he sided with the receivers.
That's the influence Stroud has in Year 2. But that's also the type of offensive command coaches challenged him to take in the offseason. And it's the tactic that helped the Texans win 29-27 on Sunday.
Stroud threw for 234 yards with two touchdowns -- both to Diggs. One touchdown occurred on a crucial fourth-and-goal play from the Colts' 2-yard line with 4:45 remaining to put the Texans up 29-20. Another critical play came on third-and-11, when Stroud zipped a pass in a tight window to Nico Collins for a first down with two minutes remaining to ice the game.
Last year, Stroud became the fifth rookie to pass for 4,000 yards in a season (4,108) and led the Texans to the AFC South title. Stroud also won a playoff game, making him the youngest quarterback (22 years, 102 days old) to do so.
There are high hopes for the Texans in 2024, and Stroud is the reason. Coach DeMeco Ryans' main ask of Stroud as a rookie was making sure he took control of the offense, and now it's about directing his unit and being a coach on the field. Stroud is evolving as a leader on and off the field -- from inviting newcomers to his house and teaching them the offense to texting receivers clips from last season to discuss routes and defenses. He also watched film with Slowik to understand how his playcaller sees the game.
"When we came back in the spring and started working with guys, we honed in on certain things," Ryans told ESPN. "For C.J., it was just about taking more command, and he's done that. The man is a football junkie. That's the one thing you have to have from the quarterback spot ... and that's what allows C.J. to be great."
AS STROUD SAT in a suite at Super Bowl LVIII, surrounded by the likes of Kim Kardashian, singer Ciara, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, he was texting Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson about the San Francisco 49ers' defense.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed passes on back-to-back sequences in overtime against the 49ers' Cover 0 blitz. Stroud wanted to discuss how Mahomes attacked the defense. He wanted this to be a part of the Texans' offense.
"[That exchange] just confirmed we got the right guy," Johnson told ESPN. "People saw him at the Super Bowl, but he's sending text messages about the actual scheme and plays while he's there. Football is always on his mind."
When spring workouts began April 15, coaches worked with Stroud to increase his responsibilities in the offense.
"[Last season] when C.J. had command on what was going on, and we had people lined up in the right spot and we were doing what we were supposed to do, we were clicking and we were rolling," Slowik said. "I would say almost every time we had any sort of malfunction as an offense, it was because we were lacking one of those qualities somewhere."
Slowik showed Stroud film of their first win, a 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 of 2023. Stroud had 280 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Texans' second-highest-scoring output of the regular season. Slowik highlighted what Stroud had to fix pre-snap: lining people up correctly and communicating instructions.
"[He] had to do everything to keep us on track," Slowik said.
Stroud watched hours of film to master the playbook and stayed in communication with teammates throughout the offseason, which helped his growth. He also studied other offenses, including those of the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, to steal effective concepts and pitch them to teammates and coaches.
Stroud would text teammates clips of games against the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Colts to "clean up on little [details] with routes," Collins said. Stroud would also send YouTube clips of five-time All-Pro receiver Julio Jones to Collins since both are similar in size and Collins views Jones as a role model.
'The man is a football junkie': How C.J. Stroud has earned right to take command of Texans
No longer a rookie, Houston's quarterback worked with coaches all offseason to make this his team.
In Year 2, C.J. Stroud has taken command of the Texans' offense
HOUSTON -- Inside the Houston Texans' meeting room last week, a debate broke out as the offense was preparing for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was discussing a pass play and how he wanted the receivers to run routes against the Colts' Cover 3 look. Receiver Stefon Diggs spoke up, saying he thought the routes should be shorter.
After a few minutes of back-and-forth between coaches and players, everyone turned around and looked at quarterback C.J. Stroud for the final say. When Slowik asked him, he sided with the receivers.
That's the influence Stroud has in Year 2. But that's also the type of offensive command coaches challenged him to take in the offseason. And it's the tactic that helped the Texans win 29-27 on Sunday.
Stroud threw for 234 yards with two touchdowns -- both to Diggs. One touchdown occurred on a crucial fourth-and-goal play from the Colts' 2-yard line with 4:45 remaining to put the Texans up 29-20. Another critical play came on third-and-11, when Stroud zipped a pass in a tight window to Nico Collins for a first down with two minutes remaining to ice the game.
Last year, Stroud became the fifth rookie to pass for 4,000 yards in a season (4,108) and led the Texans to the AFC South title. Stroud also won a playoff game, making him the youngest quarterback (22 years, 102 days old) to do so.
There are high hopes for the Texans in 2024, and Stroud is the reason. Coach DeMeco Ryans' main ask of Stroud as a rookie was making sure he took control of the offense, and now it's about directing his unit and being a coach on the field. Stroud is evolving as a leader on and off the field -- from inviting newcomers to his house and teaching them the offense to texting receivers clips from last season to discuss routes and defenses. He also watched film with Slowik to understand how his playcaller sees the game.
"When we came back in the spring and started working with guys, we honed in on certain things," Ryans told ESPN. "For C.J., it was just about taking more command, and he's done that. The man is a football junkie. That's the one thing you have to have from the quarterback spot ... and that's what allows C.J. to be great."
AS STROUD SAT in a suite at Super Bowl LVIII, surrounded by the likes of Kim Kardashian, singer Ciara, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, he was texting Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson about the San Francisco 49ers' defense.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed passes on back-to-back sequences in overtime against the 49ers' Cover 0 blitz. Stroud wanted to discuss how Mahomes attacked the defense. He wanted this to be a part of the Texans' offense.
"[That exchange] just confirmed we got the right guy," Johnson told ESPN. "People saw him at the Super Bowl, but he's sending text messages about the actual scheme and plays while he's there. Football is always on his mind."
When spring workouts began April 15, coaches worked with Stroud to increase his responsibilities in the offense.
"[Last season] when C.J. had command on what was going on, and we had people lined up in the right spot and we were doing what we were supposed to do, we were clicking and we were rolling," Slowik said. "I would say almost every time we had any sort of malfunction as an offense, it was because we were lacking one of those qualities somewhere."
Slowik showed Stroud film of their first win, a 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 of 2023. Stroud had 280 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Texans' second-highest-scoring output of the regular season. Slowik highlighted what Stroud had to fix pre-snap: lining people up correctly and communicating instructions.
"[He] had to do everything to keep us on track," Slowik said.
Stroud watched hours of film to master the playbook and stayed in communication with teammates throughout the offseason, which helped his growth. He also studied other offenses, including those of the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, to steal effective concepts and pitch them to teammates and coaches.
Stroud would text teammates clips of games against the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Colts to "clean up on little [details] with routes," Collins said. Stroud would also send YouTube clips of five-time All-Pro receiver Julio Jones to Collins since both are similar in size and Collins views Jones as a role model.
GregR
Footballguy
(Continued because I broke the max post length, heh)
When the Texans traded for running back Joe Mixon and Diggs, Stroud invited them to his house to watch film to teach them their offensive scheme and show them how they can be incorporated.
Mixon and Diggs were a big part of Houston's aggressive roster upgrade this offseason, in which it spent $244.3 million in guaranteed money, the fifth most according to ESPN Stats & Information. In addition to Diggs' two touchdowns, Mixon rushed for a league-high 159 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Mixon was brought in to bolster a run game that was tied for fourth worst in yards per carry (3.7) last season, and the Texans ended Week 1 leading the league in rushing (213 yards). Diggs, who had six catches for 33 yards, was brought in to team up with Collins and Tank Dell, who combined for 2,006 receiving yards last season.
"He broke things down and talked about the offense and what we want to do and what we want to accomplish," Mixon said of Stroud. "C.J. is a phenomenal quarterback. The way he prepares each and every day. He's spending time in the weight room, he's spending time in the film room, and also, he's trying to learn. ... I think he does a hell of a job preparing."
IN MID-JULY AHEAD of training camp, the receivers and tight ends went to the University of Miami with Stroud to work on rhythm and timing. He set up multiple Airbnbs for the group, and they spent three days there, working out in the morning for roughly two hours.
One concept they focused on was running a post against different coverages in Slowik's offense, which specializes in throws on and between the hashes. Stroud threw 300 passes in that area last season, according to Next Gen Stats. Tight end Brevin Jordan called it "breaking it to daylight," which means if the defense has a two-high-safety look, they would run through the zone and have Stroud deliver in that window.
In Stroud's eyes, the time spent outside of NRG Stadium is important. The "more camaraderie off the field and spending time with guys," will help build trust, he said. "When times are tough, we can lean on each other."
Throughout training camp, Stroud continued honing in on the details -- things as small as keeping the huddle tight and making sure everyone's eyes are on him when he's calling a play. He has spent time improving his timing on a motion snap point since the Texans motioned 386 times on pass plays last season (10th most in the league). And even though center Juice Scruggs makes the offensive line protection calls, Stroud has made sure he has a strong understanding of what's being called.
"When the quarterbacks get with us to go over protections, [Stroud] is more equipped," right guard Shaq Mason told ESPN. "He knows the whole package now. It's not like, 'Where y'all gonna be?'"
The Texans next take on the Chicago Bears (1-0) in their home opener Sunday night (8:20 ET, NBC), Stroud's second regular-season game in prime time. The Bears have high hopes in their new quarterback, No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams, and their defense was a big part of their opening-week win against the Tennessee Titans, picking off quarterback Will Levis twice.
But in Houston, the staff feels confident Stroud will be ready for anything defenses throw at him. Ryans believes his quarterback is "understanding the entire picture," as compared to last year at this time. Slowik has seen Stroud's command go from just doing his job to making sure to "fix" everything around him to keep everyone on track.
"Last year, a lot of times C.J. had to hone in on his own job so much," Slowik told ESPN. "Someone else could be wrong, but you've just got to go do your job, and [he] couldn't necessarily right the ship. This year, he's done a lot more of being able to not only do his job, but help others get where they need to go."
The Texans entered Week 1 with the fourth-best odds to win the AFC (+750) and seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl (+1600), according to ESPN BET. Their Super Bowl odds have since improved (+1300), tying them with the Dallas Cowboys for sixth. They have also moved up to third in odds to win the AFC (+700).
But Stroud knows it's on him to bring it all together.
"I'm the captain of the ship, and I've got to run it the right way," Stroud said. "And I feel like I've stepped into the role of not only holding guys accountable, but also holding myself accountable to those moments. I don't let anything slide."
When the Texans traded for running back Joe Mixon and Diggs, Stroud invited them to his house to watch film to teach them their offensive scheme and show them how they can be incorporated.
Mixon and Diggs were a big part of Houston's aggressive roster upgrade this offseason, in which it spent $244.3 million in guaranteed money, the fifth most according to ESPN Stats & Information. In addition to Diggs' two touchdowns, Mixon rushed for a league-high 159 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Mixon was brought in to bolster a run game that was tied for fourth worst in yards per carry (3.7) last season, and the Texans ended Week 1 leading the league in rushing (213 yards). Diggs, who had six catches for 33 yards, was brought in to team up with Collins and Tank Dell, who combined for 2,006 receiving yards last season.
"He broke things down and talked about the offense and what we want to do and what we want to accomplish," Mixon said of Stroud. "C.J. is a phenomenal quarterback. The way he prepares each and every day. He's spending time in the weight room, he's spending time in the film room, and also, he's trying to learn. ... I think he does a hell of a job preparing."
IN MID-JULY AHEAD of training camp, the receivers and tight ends went to the University of Miami with Stroud to work on rhythm and timing. He set up multiple Airbnbs for the group, and they spent three days there, working out in the morning for roughly two hours.
One concept they focused on was running a post against different coverages in Slowik's offense, which specializes in throws on and between the hashes. Stroud threw 300 passes in that area last season, according to Next Gen Stats. Tight end Brevin Jordan called it "breaking it to daylight," which means if the defense has a two-high-safety look, they would run through the zone and have Stroud deliver in that window.
In Stroud's eyes, the time spent outside of NRG Stadium is important. The "more camaraderie off the field and spending time with guys," will help build trust, he said. "When times are tough, we can lean on each other."
Throughout training camp, Stroud continued honing in on the details -- things as small as keeping the huddle tight and making sure everyone's eyes are on him when he's calling a play. He has spent time improving his timing on a motion snap point since the Texans motioned 386 times on pass plays last season (10th most in the league). And even though center Juice Scruggs makes the offensive line protection calls, Stroud has made sure he has a strong understanding of what's being called.
"When the quarterbacks get with us to go over protections, [Stroud] is more equipped," right guard Shaq Mason told ESPN. "He knows the whole package now. It's not like, 'Where y'all gonna be?'"
The Texans next take on the Chicago Bears (1-0) in their home opener Sunday night (8:20 ET, NBC), Stroud's second regular-season game in prime time. The Bears have high hopes in their new quarterback, No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams, and their defense was a big part of their opening-week win against the Tennessee Titans, picking off quarterback Will Levis twice.
But in Houston, the staff feels confident Stroud will be ready for anything defenses throw at him. Ryans believes his quarterback is "understanding the entire picture," as compared to last year at this time. Slowik has seen Stroud's command go from just doing his job to making sure to "fix" everything around him to keep everyone on track.
"Last year, a lot of times C.J. had to hone in on his own job so much," Slowik told ESPN. "Someone else could be wrong, but you've just got to go do your job, and [he] couldn't necessarily right the ship. This year, he's done a lot more of being able to not only do his job, but help others get where they need to go."
The Texans entered Week 1 with the fourth-best odds to win the AFC (+750) and seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl (+1600), according to ESPN BET. Their Super Bowl odds have since improved (+1300), tying them with the Dallas Cowboys for sixth. They have also moved up to third in odds to win the AFC (+700).
But Stroud knows it's on him to bring it all together.
"I'm the captain of the ship, and I've got to run it the right way," Stroud said. "And I feel like I've stepped into the role of not only holding guys accountable, but also holding myself accountable to those moments. I don't let anything slide."
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Bullock's range is sorely needed. I don't think Alec Pierce catches those two heaves from Richardson if it's Bullock instead of Ward back there. He's got special range and a nose for the football.
I think Greg’s posts answered better than I could. I’m just an armchair QB, sounds like they played better than I thought based on analytics, more rust and lack of communication.
