Not even the most optimistic of Houston Texans backers could have imagined the team would be in the position it is in heading into Week 18 of the regular season. After winning a combined 11 games the last three seasons and being on their fifth coach in four seasons, the Texans are alive in the playoff picture.
Depending on how things shake out, there is a chance Houston can still claim the AFC South title. They are 9-7 heading into a matchup with the Indianapolis Colts and the winner will win the division title should the Jacksonville Jaguars fail to defeat the Tennessee Titans.
Being atop the AFC South isn’t a surprise for the Jaguars, who were the favorites in many people’s eyes coming into the season. The Texans weren’t expected to be here, but this group is way ahead of schedule in large part due to the performance of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
NFL News & Rumors: C.J. Stroud & Houston Texans Updates
Stroud has been incredible this season, setting several records for rookie quarterbacks. Despite missing two games and part of another because of a concussion, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is in the top 10 of multiple passing categories.
Stroud is no stranger to big games. At this time last year, he was leading Ohio State in the College Football Playoff against a stout Georgia team. With a playoff berth on the line, he offered up some bold words heading into the game.
“Yeah, I’m excited. I’m ready to have fun,’ Stroud said in his Tuesday press conference. “I think, like I was saying earlier, I just [have to] go be myself. Go be ourselves, just put it on the field, and there’s nothing to lose — I mean, there’s a lot to lose, but in my mindset, there’s nothing to lose.
“We’re really just going to go out there with confidence. That was the main thing we talked about today, being relentless in every single thing that we do, and what’s the worst that could happen? Playing hard and playing fast. So, we don’t doubt ourselves. We really think we can win this game, and that’s the plan, so [we have to] go out there and just execute.”
NFL News & Rumors: C.J. Stroud & Houston Texans Updates
Despite being in his first season in the NFL, Stroud is handling himself like a multi-year veteran. He carries himself with quiet confidence, something his teammates have fed off of throughout the season.
Given the youthfulness of the roster, it would not be shocking to see some big eyes on the Texans players when they take the field Sunday. But, Stroud issued some words of encouragement for his teammates, urging them to just keep doing what they have been to get to this point.
“[I]t’s the same game we’ve been playing since we were young, so nothing changes,” Stroud said. “We’ve got to just prepare hard and do everything that we need to do to try to win this game and I think that will take us home. But, trying to make it too big, that’ll psyche you out and make you nervous, so I just believe in just staying even-keeled.”
Stroud has been lights out, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 3,844 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to only five interceptions. Some personal accolades are sure to come at the end of the season, but the thing he is most focused on is getting a win on Sunday and pushing his Texans into the playoffs.
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