Texans QB praised for making big change heading into Year 2

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud surpassed all expectations the team had for him during his rookie year, and he’s setting the bar even higher heading into his second season.

Stroud’s development is on an upward trajectory, and this offseason his coaches and teammates agree he’s taken a big step forward in one area: leadership.

“He has no fear in asking the room a question, making a point to the room on specific plays or maybe having a message for practice,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik told ESPN. “He's been a lot more vocal in meetings, which is great. That's what you want your quarterback to be. … He's not afraid to talk this year. I'd say he's not afraid to make sure that everyone's doing their job including himself, including me, including his teammates.”

During a Rookie of the Year performance in which he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, Stroud won over his teammates and coaches with his play on the field.