Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud said that the “focus” is primarily on completing the games at the start of Week 13 against the USA Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Just focus on each play. And just don’t hang your head after a bad game,” Stroud said Wednesday. “Learn to just keep going and just keep trusting in yourself and everyone around you. I think that’s what we can do to have four quarters of a good offense.”
The Texans are looking to get back to winning ways after coming up short in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. Stroud threw two early touchdowns to tie the game at 17 apiece, but his two interceptions led to scoring drives for the Titans, who earned two wins en route to a 32-27 victory.
Houston is focused on its Week 13 showdown at EverBank Stadium. Despite a 2-9 record, Jacksonville has talent, particularly on defense, such as cornerback Tyson Campbell, safety Andre Cisco, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen and linebacker Devin Lloyd.
“I don’t think the record reflects the team they are,” Stroud said. “It’s another big challenge for us defensively. They played against a lot of good teams and got a lot fewer points. They played very well against Minnesota, very well against Philly. So we have to come with our A game and know that every game needs every single play from start to finish to get a W.”
Here are some of the highlights from Stroud's press conference on Wednesday.
Oct. 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) looks for an open receiver as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) applies defensive pressure during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“No, she's definitely like an intermediary and tells me things I probably need to hear. I try to listen to her more than I can and she tells me well to just smell my flowers and everything is not as bad as it seems or it is not as good as it seems. So she’s very honest with me and does a great job of building me up when I need it.”
November 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) looks on the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“Maybe. I don't know. I like it. I think it helps me get better and just have a sense of urgency. I try not to be a careless person and I try to – because I know a lot of people depend on me on the field and off the field So I definitely have to be smarter So, yeah, I don't think I'm – I'm trying to maintain some decorum, but at the same time I also feel a sense of urgency, too know that I play better and needs to get better so we can start winning more games.”
November 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) greets Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) on the field after the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“I’m leaving the movie. This is the eye in heaven that doesn't lie. And the question for you: Do you want to stay the same from year to year? That's right, it's the same for me. I just want to be better. I want to keep growing. And I think I grew in some areas this year. And there are things that are out of my control and that I can't handle, but there are also a lot of things that I have control over. That's why I try to do these things as best as possible. But yes, I want to develop from year to year. I don’t want to see myself stagnating and just – it’s like a waterfall. When a waterfall stagnates, it deforms and becomes dirty. When it flows and gets better, everything is clearer, things are now coming to the water and fish are eating, so I see that everyone around me is doing better. So I just want to continue to get better and I think I’ll be able to do that this year.”
November 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
“Yes, it wasn't easy. I think we have the latest bye. So we didn't have time to breathe. But I mean, this is the NFL. That is our job. So this week we really need to come back with another week of hard work and a lot of grinding because our farewell is just around the corner and I think that will be a good thing for everyone on this team. But that's not what we're focusing on at the moment. We have to focus on Jacksonville and synchronization and we’ll do the rest after that.”
November 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) celebrates with cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) after a tackle in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“He was huge. He was great. He was able to help me not only in football, but also in our walk with the Lord, and that was very important, and we also go through a lot of similar things when we are the youngest in our family, a lot of people depend on us, a lot of this weight. So we were able to talk to each other about these things too. So it's kind of a brotherhood between me and him and I have a lot of love for him and I just really appreciate him building me up and then being honest with me.”
November 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) throws in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
