The spotlight will be on C.J. Stroud this season as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft takes the helm of the Houston Texans.
The former Ohio State star put up good numbers in his debut Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 28-of-44 passes for 242 yards. He did not throw an interception, although he was sacked five times and fumbled once. The Texans lost, 25-9.
Beyond the numbers, however, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik saw several of the traits coaches want in a franchise quarterback. Even after months of watching Stroud in training camp and practice, it’s always hard to tell about a player until he gets his first regular-season action.
“For a young quarterback, he’s very functional from the pocket, which is rare, and he has elite accuracy, the ball goes where he wants it to go,” Slowik said (via Pro Football Talk). “I think he’s shown in the NFL, in one game, that he has more athleticism than a lot of people gave him credit for.”
Two more traits coaches look for in a great NFL quarterback are accountability and a burning desire to improve. Following Stroud’s debut, he told reporters he had to do better.
“I felt like of course, it wasn’t what we wanted,” Stroud said. “I have to make more plays. We just, really have to get it out on time [and] be better in and out of the huddle. We had some positive things, but we just have to keep going from here and keep getting better.”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.