The Houston Texans‘ training camp got underway earlier than 30 other teams in the league due to playing in the Hall of Fame Game. While many are preparing for their first preseason game, C.J. Stroud and Co. are preparing for their second.
However, Stroud and many of the Texans’ starters didn’t see action in the first contest, raising the question of whether they will this time around. We discuss Stroud and the possibility that the young star quarterback is under center against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Latest on What We Know About C.J. Stroud Lining Up Against Pittsburgh
As the Texans head into 2024 with hopeful optimism for a young roster that looks to be loaded at critical positions, much of the excitement centers around Stroud and his second season. Stroud was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of The Year in 2023 and enters Year 2 with growing expectations to elevate his game even further.
With so much anticipation surrounding the young signal-caller, fans are eager to see Stroud take the field once again. Luckily for them, reports indicate that Stroud and the rest of the Texans starters are expected to see game action against the Steelers.
“Right now we’ll probably see two drives…”
-DeMeco Ryans on CJ Stroud SNAP COUNTS v Steelers 😂
For clicks. 💀 pic.twitter.com/smkIL01JF7
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 7, 2024
“Right now, [Stroud will] probably see two drives,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told Kay Adams of the Up & Adams show.
“It all depends on how well the first drive goes,” he continues. “I’m expecting him to go out and get at least one or two drives and get our guys together and used to play again.”
Ryans appears to be open and honest about the game plan as he balances the idea of giving his star quarterback playing time versus not exposing him to unnecessary risks. Either way, it appears Texans fans and those around the NFL who are excited to see Stroud back on a football field will get their wish on Friday night against the Steelers.
How To Watch Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Channel: NFL Network
Live stream options: NFL+, Sling TV, Fubo
The Steelers will host the Texans on Friday night with Pittsburgh also expected to play some of their starters. NFL fans could be in for a treat where they not only get to see Stroud in action but their first look at Justin Fields in a Steelers uniform as well.
Both teams have tremendous talent that will be worth watching. As well as some young pieces that will be looking for roster spots, setting up what should be one of the more intriguing preseason games of the year.
Stroud Looking To Build on a Strong Year 1
What Stroud was able to do in his first season in the NFL was magical. From being the No. 2 overall pick to being a global star and one of the more exciting players in the NFL, Stroud not only was able to step in right away and make an impact but completely changed the future of a franchise.
While every NFL team that drafts a quarterback early hopes for this type of impact, not many actually come to fruition, especially as quickly as Stroud’s did. The young signal-caller finished his rookie season with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, only five interceptions, and a rating of 100.8.
It was impressive in every way and has set the bar even higher for a Texans team that now believes it is one of the upper-echelon teams in the NFL.
With the quarterback in place for the future, the Texans are using this opportunity to capitalize on Stroud’s rookie deal and add pieces around to make an immediate push for legitimacy.
By trading for a big-play wide receiver in Stefon Diggs and signing impactful defensive players such as Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston is using its cap flexibility now to make an honest run at a Super Bowl championship while it has Stroud on a team-friendly deal.
These additions, coupled with rising expectations, set up an important and potentially high-pressure second season for Stroud. Some players face a “sophomore slump” in Year 2 when teams either figure out the players’ habits to limit them or they fall back to earth after an exceptional first season.
If Houston is going to be who they think they are, it will take Stroud continuing to elevate his game to get there. With little doubt that he is capable of doing so, the Texans are getting national attention unlike they have ever before in their history.
It’s a complete 180 for a franchise that was just a few years removed from struggling for consistency. However, it is a burden that proves they are now doing something right, setting up 2024 to be a year that could be special for them. And a lot of that is due to Stroud and his rookie season.