Texans QB C.J. Stroud working to develop into stronger, quicker

HOUSTON — As C.J. Stroud evolves in his NFL journey, certainly one of his essential focuses this offseason has been physique transformation.

The Houston Texans‘ quarterback understood his coaching would have “danger and reward,” however heading into 12 months 3, he felt he wanted a change.

“I have been working actually onerous on getting my physique proper — shedding physique fats, attempting to be quicker, stronger,” Stroud stated. “And it went very well. … [Working] pocket mobility, operating out the pocket, throwing the rock. All the things sort of works hand in hand.”

The additional work left him with basic soreness in his throwing shoulder that prompted him to overlook practices this spring, however he felt it was needed after he noticed dips in passing yards (3,727) and touchdowns (20) in 12 months 2 after being named the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months and a Professional Bowler in a season the place he had 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

He additionally threw 12 interceptions final season, seven greater than his rookie yr.

“I [came in] fairly early with [assistant strength and conditioning coach Clint Martin],” Stroud stated of his additional work. “There’s all the time a danger to working onerous, so it was an excellent offseason. I believe I bought that accomplished.”

Coach DeMeco Ryans hopes to see enchancment below new offensive coordinator Nick Caley to assist them “recover from the hump.”

“You get psychological reps out right here,” Caley stated throughout practices. “Being out right here, [Stroud’s] concerned in all of the communication. He is tapped in, he is into it. I have been more than happy when he is out right here.”

Earlier than former offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was fired this offseason, the offense sputtered in his second yr. The Texans ranked twenty second in yards per recreation (319.7) and nineteenth in factors per recreation (21.9) regardless of successful the AFC South for a second consecutive season.

A part of the difficulty final season was Stroud taking too many hits. So he labored on his velocity to assist him evade defenders within the pocket. In 2024, he was sacked 52 occasions, second most within the NFL, and was pressured on 38.6% of his dropbacks (second most), in response to Subsequent Gen Stats.

Stroud hit 19.7 mph in Week 11 in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys on a 20-yard scramble, twenty eighth highest for quarterback scrambles in 2024, in response to Subsequent Gen Stats. Additionally, Stroud ranked sixteenth in scramble speeding yards (240) in 2024. So, growing his velocity may make him extra of a twin menace.

“[I had personal bests] on virtually all the pieces this offseason, which has been actually dope,” Stroud stated throughout necessary minicamp.

Final season, Stroud had 99 dropbacks that become scrambles (seventh most), a rise from 2023 when he had 83 (eighth most).

Stroud’s completion proportion throughout scramble performs improved from 32% in his rookie yr to 49.1% final season, however he noticed an uptick in turnovers on such performs. In 2023, he had three touchdowns and no interceptions. Compared to 12 months 2, the place he had 4 touchdowns however threw three interceptions.

“It begins within the movie room,” Caley stated. “Begins within the assembly and the preparation going into it and attempting to arrange and be taught the small print and nuances of all the pieces we’re doing.”

With a brand new offensive coordinator in place, the connection between Caley and Stroud will probably be paramount for the Texans’ success. To this point, Caley has been impressed with the preparation from his signal-caller, however the large query will probably be can the 2 assist the franchise at the very least attain the AFC Championship Sport for the primary time?

“I am very, very grateful [for my progression],” Stroud stated. “However now it is ball time, and this offseason will probably be crucial on getting again with my throwing routine and with my guys in L.A. So, I bought these issues accomplished, and I am grateful for it.”