The Houston Texans look like they have hit a home run with the work they did in the 2023 NFL Draft. Everyone believed that they were going to nab a pass rusher when they came on the clock with the No. 2 pick.
Instead, they selected Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has performed at historic levels through the first four weeks of his professional career. They did add a pass rusher, making a stunning move to move up to the No. 3 pick in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals to select Alabama star, Will Anderson Jr.
The Texans are currently 2-2, courtesy of a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. Stroud led the way in a 30-6 blowout victory, throwing for 306 yards and two more touchdowns without an interception.
That was a huge victory for the franchise, as it had been a long time since their fans saw a win at home. According to Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston, this was the first win in Houston for the team since December of 2021.
After the game, Stroud opened up about wanting to see the fans flood the stadium and be proud to wear Texans gear. The Steelers fan base is massive and travels well and showed out in Houston. But, Stroud was happy to send them home happy and see the Texans’ fans energized at the game.
It will certainly take a little while for the fan base to return fully. The Texans have been an embarrassment on and off the field for years, winning only 11 games in the last three seasons coming into 2023.
But, they finally look to have gotten it right this time. DeMeco Ryans looks like the real deal as head coach as he and general manager Nick Caserio are on the same page. It is still early, but Stroud looks the part of a franchise quarterback as well.
For the first time in a long time, there is legitimate hope and optimism surrounding the Texans. It won’t be long until their fans are wearing gear with pride as they did in the late 2010s when they won the AFC South title four out of five years.
