CJ Stroud looks back at Texans’ growth since losing to the Ravens in week 1 before facing them again in ‘vital’ playoff game

The Texans are scheduled to take on the Baltimore Ravens this week.

CJ Stroud looks back at Texans’ growth since losing to the Ravens in week 1 before facing them again in ‘vital’ playoff game

C.J. Stroud (via cj7stroud on Instagram)

Life has come back in full circle for C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The team kicked off their regular-season campaign with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Fast forward to the playoffs. After getting past the Cleveland Browns in the Wildcard Round, Stroud and the Texans will once again face the Baltimore Ravens, but this time in the Divisional Round. A lot has happened since that loss.

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Stroud led the Houston Texans to the top of the AFC West with a 10-7 record. The young quarterback has become better and is playing like a veteran in his first year. He beat Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns in the Wildcard Round there has been a lot of growth that can be seen in him from the first week to now.

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In his Tuesday press conference, C.J. Stroud spoke on his journey from Week 1 to now. 

We've grown in a multitude of areas, I think at that point, we weren't really identified as who we are now, and we've grown in a lot of aspects. A lot more experience up front now, offensively, defensively, and special teams. So I think we've grown in a lot of places.
He said

The Houston Texans have established themselves as the biggest underdogs in the NFL this season

Heading into the season, nobody expected the Texans to be this good, and rightfully so. They had a rookie quarterback and a relatively inexperienced head coach.

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CJ Stroud (Screengrab YouTube)

The team was expected to be in a rebuilding phase this season, but once Stroud felt more and more comfortable with the pace of the NFL, he began to shine, and the entire team gained more and more confidence as they continued to win games.

C.J. Stroud addressed the difference between the NFL and college football.

 It's different than college, especially off the field. Just having more time on your hands and just really being a professional. I think my coaches have done a good job helping me along with my vets and things like that, so I've grown in a lot of different places.
Continuing further, he added

Heading into the Divisional Round, the Houston Texans will have to go through the game film of their Week 1 loss against the Ravens. It will be a physical game and the biggest test for the team to overcome so far. If they manage to beat the Ravens, it will be the biggest upset of the season.

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