As the Houston Texans brace for a pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback CJ Stroud is making it clear: the recent struggles are temporary, and his potential as a game-changing force is just beginning to be realized.
Stroud, who has faced a difficult stretch over the last few weeks, remains confident that he can lead the Texans back into the win column and silence any doubters.
The 2024 NFL season has proven to be a tough one for the Texans, who have been inconsistent in recent weeks. After a promising start to the season, Houston has now dropped three of its last four games. Stroud, who showed early flashes of brilliance, has experienced a noticeable dip in his production. Over the past month, his completion rate has dropped to just 53.7%, and he has thrown two touchdowns compared to two interceptions. While these numbers are not ideal, Stroud is determined to prove that his struggles are nothing more than a temporary setback.
Speaking candidly about his performance, Stroud took the opportunity to remind the NFL that he is more than just a quarterback who can make plays. “I can be a game-changer,” Stroud said. “I’m not just a playmaker. I’m not just trying to make plays; I’m trying to take care of the ball and do the right things to win the game. Sometimes things go our way and sometimes they don’t, but I’m confident that I can turn this around.”
Despite the recent rough patch, Stroud’s overall numbers this season remain impressive. The 23-year-old signal-caller has thrown for 2,371 yards, completing 207 passes along the way. With 12 touchdowns to his name, Stroud has proven that he can move the ball and put points on the board when it matters most. However, the interceptions — six so far — have been a concern, particularly as the Texans look to stay competitive in a crowded AFC South.
For Stroud, the key moving forward is consistency. He knows that the Texans’ hopes of staying in the playoff hunt hinge on his ability to perform at a high level. With a defense that has shown flashes of promise but also lapses in execution, the offense, led by Stroud, will need to carry the load. A prime opportunity to do just that is approaching with the Cowboys on the horizon.
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The Texans are coming off a gut-wrenching 23-26 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 10, a game that saw Houston fall short despite being competitive throughout. Stroud, who threw for 243 yards and one touchdown in the loss, took responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that his performance wasn’t up to the standard he’s set for himself. “It was a tough one,” Stroud said. “But that’s the nature of the game. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We’re focused on getting better.”
Looking ahead, the game against the Cowboys will be a critical one for both teams. While Dallas has been a powerhouse in the NFC this season, the Texans know they are capable of pulling off the upset. Stroud’s leadership and ability to bounce back after adversity will be key factors in Houston’s success, especially against a defense like the Cowboys’, which has consistently wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Stroud’s confidence in his abilities is evident, and he knows that one game could change the trajectory of the Texans’ season. “We’ve got to stay the course,” Stroud emphasized. “It’s a long season. We’ve got the talent in this locker room to turn it around. I’m not worried about a rough patch; I’m focused on getting better every day.”
Despite the recent losses, there’s no denying that Stroud’s growth from his rookie season has been significant. He’s shown a much greater command of the offense, displaying improved decision-making and poise in the pocket. While the interceptions and occasional misfires are part of the growing pains of a young quarterback, Stroud’s ability to learn from those mistakes is what makes him a dangerous player moving forward.
With the Texans’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Stroud’s confidence and determination are exactly what the team needs to ignite a turnaround. The pressure is on, and as Stroud himself said, he’s ready to step up. “This is what I signed up for,” he stated. “The NFL is tough, but I’m here to prove I belong.”
As the Texans face the Cowboys in what could be a season-defining game, CJ Stroud’s warning to the league is clear: Don’t sleep on the Houston quarterback. His time to shine is just around the corner, and he’s more than ready to rise to the occasion.
For now, Stroud’s focus is squarely on the Cowboys, a team that represents a formidable challenge but also an opportunity for redemption. With his eyes set on a strong finish to the 2024 season, Stroud is poised to remind everyone why he’s one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL.