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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is excited to see C.J. Stroud's growth next season
Summary
DeMeco Ryans told reporters at the league meetings that he believes C.J. Stroud learned from recent playoff mistakes and has been working through the offseason; the Texans also made offensive personnel and coaching changes this offseason.
Content
DeMeco Ryans spoke at the NFL's annual league meetings about the Houston Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud and his progress. Ryans acknowledged Stroud had a difficult stretch in the playoffs but said that those experiences have provided valuable lessons. He described Stroud as working hard in the offseason, with physical and mental preparation underway. The team also made roster and coaching changes intended to support the offense.
Reported details:
- Stroud threw four interceptions in the divisional-round loss to the New England Patriots and had five fumbles (two lost) and an interception in the wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, for seven total turnovers across those two playoff games, as reported.
- In the wild-card win against Pittsburgh, Stroud threw for 250 yards and one touchdown; in his first playoff start in 2023 he threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, tying a rookie playoff record for touchdown passes.
- Ryans said Stroud finished the regular season with 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and that he has been throwing every day in the offseason.
- The Texans added running back David Montgomery and signed offensive linemen Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith while trading tackle Tytus Howard and retaining guard Ed Ingram, changes described as efforts to balance the offense.
- Houston replaced quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson with Jerry Schuplinski, who was previously a senior offensive assistant, a move Ryans framed as a possible change of voice for the position group.
- Owner Cal McNair was reported as saying he wants C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. to remain with the team.
Summary:
Ryans emphasized that Stroud has gained playoff experience and appears focused in the offseason, and the Texans have made personnel and coaching adjustments aimed at supporting the offense. How those changes will affect regular-season performance is undetermined at this time.
