DeMeco Ryans describes CJ Stroud’s growth as leader

CJ Stroud is beginning his second season as quarterback of the Texans. This time a year ago, there was no pressure. Rookie starters tend to have a low bar for expectations. But people desire a ton from Stroud this year.

That’s why there’s so much attention on Stroud and the Texans as the team started training camp Thursday in Houston. They received an early start date because the Texans and the Chicago Bears kick off the preseason schedule with the Pro Football Hall of Fame game on Aug. 1.

Reporters asked coach DeMeco Ryans how his young quarterback might’ve improved through OTAs and minicamp. Rather than specifics about football traits like his throwing motion or footwork, Ryans talked big picture.

“Where can we see him grow in his second year? It’s his leadership, first and foremost — continue to become the leader that we want him to be,” Ryans said at his media availability after practice.

“And it’s just in his play. It doesn’t change for C.J. or anyone else — can we get a little bit better each day? There’s no big grand thing for him, just continue to get a little bit better. You see how much better he got from his first day of camp last year until our last game — how much better [he got], you saw the growth of him. And that’s the same thing as we come into this season.”

The Texans selected Stroud, the former Ohio State standout, with the No. 2 pick of last year’s NFL Draft. There was a ton of draft buzz questioning how quickly the quarterback could adapt to the NFL game. Stroud was QB1 from the start. But he never really looked like a rookie.

Stroud not only earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, he also made the Pro Bowl. He set or tied five NFL records, ranging from most passing yards in a game for a rookie (470) to most TDs in a contest (five). Probably most important to his teammates, he also became the youngest quarterback ever to start a playoff game. And he won that one over the Browns. Stroud and the Texans saw their season come to an end with a loss in the second round to the top-seeded Ravens. No shame there.

Ryans said he gave Stroud some specific instructions. It shouldn’t be difficult for the quarterback to follow these orders.

“C.J. just has to be himself,” said the Texans head coach. “And that’s what’s made C.J. a special player, is just him being himself. He’s [got] a great family, raised the right way, does all things the right way. He just continues to be himself and guys will follow him because how he works, how he shows up with a great attitude — that’s why guys will follow him.”