Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud is coming off one of the best rookie seasons in history, and now, he has his team poised for a potential Super Bowl run. With his sweet smile and focus on faith, he’s quickly become a fan favorite, deep in the heart of Texas.
When the Texans selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they landed the franchise QB every team wants. Not just a talented athlete, Stroud is an outstanding citizen. He’s dedicated much of his free team to worthy causes and has established himself as an instant icon in Houston.
If Stroud follows the typical career arc of all great QBs, he’ll lead his team to a Lombardi Trophy and a place in history before he turns 30 years old.
Stroud racked up 4,108 yards, with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions, to post a QB rating of 100.8. The Texans finished with a 10-7 mark, an AFC South Division championship, and the franchise’s first playoff victory since 2019.
Houston has added several offensive weapons to line up alongside their young passer, but they will only go as far as CJ Stroud will take them. However, there are a handful of reasons to believe that the Houston QB could be even better in year two.
Stefon Diggs will be a Playmaker for the Texans
With all due respect to the 2023 receiving corps, the Texans didn’t have a pass catcher anywhere near the level of Stefon Diggs. It will be interesting to see how this superstar gels with Stroud and the rest of the offense. But when if he does so successfully? It will be highlight reel material.
Diggs caught 107 catches for 1183 yards and eight touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills last season, but those numbers are expected to expand in Houston’s high-octane offense. The WR enters the season just five yards short of 10,000 for his career, and he’s a four-time Pro Bowler.
With Diggs in the fold, look for him to become the Texans’ gunslinger’s favorite endzone target. Barring injury, Houston fans should expect the pair to hook up for 12 to 15 touchdowns in 2024.
Joe Mixon’s Presence in the Backfield
Another new addition to the team, Joe Mixon, brings a lot of career rushing yards and tough physical play, after spending his first seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. And although he’s been a reliable runner on the field, he’s had some turbulent incidents off of it. So, moving to Houston could mean a fresh start for the veteran.
At 28 years old, Mixon is approaching the ‘cut-off age’ for running backs, but he’s still got some mileage left on his tires. He should safely guarantee the Texans a 1,000-yard season and provide toughness on the goal line.
Aside from carrying the ball, Mixon will act as an aggressive blocker in the backfield for CJ Stroud. That may be an overlooked and underappreciated part of a running back’s job, but it will benefit the second-year quarterback; he was sacked 38 times last season.
Another Year of Maturity for CJ Stroud
Like most QBs, Stroud will benefit the most from just gaining more pro experience. He got to experience an entire offseason knowing that he’s firmly planted as the starter, and having that type of confidence can never be understated. Particularly for a quarterback. It’s his team now, and the former Ohio State star has embraced his leadership role fully.
Already poised, Stroud has relied on faith and family to keep him on the right path in life. He’s had head coach Demeco Ryans there to guide him along on the football field. But, it’s most likely his growth – both physically and mentally – that will be the key reason he develops into a franchise quarterback… and not just some first-year flash in the pan.
CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans kick off the season on Sept. 8 when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. They play their home opener in week two against the Chicago Bears.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
