Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ hope for a brighter future under center, returned to the field in style during week’s mandatory minicamp. He had an impressive recovery after missing the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) due to shoulder pain. Stroud’s participation during the two-day event alleviated concerns about his health and showcased his potential as a leader for the team.
Stroud’s accuracy and consistency were on full display during minicamp, and he instantly made an impression with his physical talent. On both days, he demonstrated his abilities, including a standout throw on a corner route that caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. His connection with wide receiver Nico Higgins yielded multiple big plays, including a notable 30-yard gain during the final team drills on Day 2.
The quarterback sounded optimistic about his recovery, brushing off the idea of any residual soreness. “I was already throwing before you guys got to see me out there,” Stroud stated, showcasing his readiness to lead the offense.
Stroud’s Performance Impresses Coaches
New Head Coach DeMeco Ryans was incredibly impressed with what he saw from Stroud throughout minicamp. He acknowledged the significant plays made by the quarterback, stating, “C.J.’s first play, he made a big throw on a corner route.” Ryans mentioned how Stroud’s on-field performance inspired everyone to improve their games, especially on the offensive side. This wave of energy was particularly important considering that concerns with his shoulder soon surfaced.
For Stroud, the minicamp was a chance for him to showcase his ultra-competitiveness. Instead, he attacked the defense’s arguments directly. It was a great representation of his speed and readiness as he battled against defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr in unfavorable 1v1s. The quarterback’s poise when the pocket was clearly breaking down only added to the sense that he was ready for the 2023 season.
Ryans continued to hammer home how impressed Stroud looked during that minicamp. He thinks the true measure of a player’s ability won’t come until they get those pads on. “For the big guys up front, they play a physical game. We won’t truly know what we have until we put pads on,” he said, hinting at the importance of upcoming training sessions.
Building Chemistry with Teammates
That connection with his teammates seemed to continue to build throughout minicamp, especially with Higgins. The two connected often, which is a good sign that the two are creating some early chemistry that could prove vital towards the Texans’ overall offensive plan.
We caught up with Hunter to hear more about this burgeoning relationship. As he put it, “Coming off last year, I feel like we have great chemistry. This optimism is a good indicator of how the staff feels about the improved cohesion on offense as they enter the 2023 season.
Despite not throwing in Derek Stingley Jr’s coverage during some drills, Stroud remained focused on building relationships within the team. His quick connections with Higgins and others show his continued focus on building an early connection to bring a strong unit on offense.
Future Outlook for Stroud and the Texans
Fortunately, Stroud’s strong showing over the course of minicamp quieted concerns regarding his shoulder rehabilitation. He’s since carved out a place for himself as one of the Texans’ most important players going forward. What’s clear from his competitive spirit and some truly impressive throws is that he’s as ready as anyone to tackle challenges ahead.
With training camp just a couple weeks away, preparations are well underway. Both players and coaches are excited to take the next step from the groundwork established through minicamp. With Stroud leading the charge, expectations are high for the Houston Texans as they aim to improve upon last season’s performance.
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