-
DJ Bien-Aime
HOUSTON — As C.J. Stroud evolves in his NFL journey, one in every of his most important focuses this offseason has been physique transformation.
The Houston Texans‘ quarterback understood his coaching would have “danger and reward,” however heading into 12 months 3, he felt he wanted a change.
“I have been working actually laborious on getting my physique proper — shedding physique fats, making an attempt to be sooner, stronger,” Stroud stated. “And it went rather well. … [Working] pocket mobility, working out the pocket, throwing the rock. Every part sort of works hand in hand.”
The additional work left him with basic soreness in his throwing shoulder that triggered him to overlook practices this spring, however he felt it was crucial after he noticed dips in passing yards (3,727) and touchdowns (20) in 12 months 2 after being named the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months and a Professional Bowler in a season the place he had 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.
He additionally threw 12 interceptions final season, seven greater than his rookie 12 months.
“I [came in] fairly early with [assistant strength and conditioning coach Clint Martin],” Stroud stated of his further work. “There’s at all times a danger to working laborious, so it was an awesome offseason. I believe I bought that finished.”
Coach DeMeco Ryans hopes to see enchancment beneath new offensive coordinator Nick Caley to assist them “recover from the hump.”
“You get psychological reps out right here,” Caley stated throughout practices. “Being out right here, [Stroud’s] concerned in all of the communication. He is tapped in, he is into it. I have been very happy when he is out right here.”
Earlier than former offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was fired this offseason, the offense sputtered in his second 12 months. The Texans ranked twenty second in yards per recreation (319.7) and nineteenth in factors per recreation (21.9) regardless of profitable the AFC South for a second consecutive season.
A part of the problem final season was Stroud taking too many hits. So he labored on his velocity to assist him evade defenders within the pocket. In 2024, he was sacked 52 occasions, second most within the NFL, and was pressured on 38.6% of his dropbacks (second most), in keeping with Subsequent Gen Stats.
Stroud hit 19.7 mph in Week 11 towards the Dallas Cowboys on a 20-yard scramble, twenty eighth highest for quarterback scrambles in 2024, in keeping with Subsequent Gen Stats. Additionally, Stroud ranked sixteenth in scramble speeding yards (240) in 2024. So, rising his velocity may make him extra of a twin risk.
“[I had personal bests] on nearly every little thing this offseason, which has been actually dope,” Stroud stated throughout obligatory minicamp.
Final season, Stroud had 99 dropbacks that became scrambles (seventh most), a rise from 2023 when he had 83 (eighth most).
Stroud’s completion share throughout scramble performs improved from 32% in his rookie 12 months to 49.1% final season, however he noticed an uptick in turnovers on such performs. In 2023, he had three touchdowns and no interceptions. Compared to 12 months 2, the place he had 4 touchdowns however threw three interceptions.
“It begins within the movie room,” Caley stated. “Begins within the assembly and the preparation going into it and making an attempt to organize and be taught the small print and nuances of every little thing we’re doing.”
With a brand new offensive coordinator in place, the connection between Caley and Stroud can be paramount for the Texans’ success. Thus far, Caley has been impressed with the preparation from his signal-caller, however the massive query can be can the 2 assist the franchise a minimum of attain the AFC Championship Sport for the primary time?
“I am very, very grateful [for my progression],” Stroud stated. “However now it is ball time, and this offseason can be crucial on getting again with my throwing routine and with my guys in L.A. So, I bought these issues finished, and I am grateful for it.”
