Texans QB praised for making big change heading into Year 2

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud surpassed all expectations the team had for him during his rookie year, and he’s setting the bar even higher heading into his second season.

Stroud’s development is on an upward trajectory, and this offseason his coaches and teammates agree he’s taken a big step forward in one area: leadership.

“He has no fear in asking the room a question, making a point to the room on specific plays or maybe having a message for practice,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik told ESPN . “He's been a lot more vocal in meetings, which is great. That's what you want your quarterback to be. … He's not afraid to talk this year. I'd say he's not afraid to make sure that everyone's doing their job including himself, including me, including his teammates.”

During a Rookie of the Year performance in which he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, Stroud won over his teammates and coaches with his play on the field.

Instead of pushing the typical things second-year passers typically need after their rookie year (accuracy, limiting turnovers, etc.), Texans coaches instead wanted Stroud to focus on being more vocal in Year 2.

“He's kind of been challenged to be more vocal and to be more demanding,” Schultz told ESPN. “I think that was like a step in that direction for him. When you're one of the great quarterbacks in the league, dudes respect the hell out of you. If you start ripping into some guys, dudes are going to listen to what you got to say and respect what you want.”

After trading for All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, the Texans are favored to repeat as AFC South champions. If Stroud takes the next step in his development, Houston could be a dark-horse contender to make it to the AFC Championship game.