Latest news with #CJStraud
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texans' C.J. Stroud Jokingly Throws Jab at Bears QB Caleb Williams
Texans' C.J. Stroud Jokingly Throws Jab at Bears QB Caleb Williams originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When they last met, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Chicago Bears signal caller Caleb Williams duked it out at NRG Stadium last September. After the Texans walked away with a 19-13 victory, the pair met at midfield. Advertisement Stroud offered Williams a piece of advice: stop taking so many hits. The Bears rookie had taken seven sacks during the contest. Williams seemed to brush off his words, only for Stroud to pull him back and tell him to learn from his mistakes. At the Fanatics Fest in New York City this week, Stroud and Williams were present during a panel session, also featuring legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Reunited with the rising Bears star, Stroud poked fun at Williams, saying, "I don't know if Caleb likes my advice." During the 2024 season, Williams was sacked a total of 68 times, the most in the league. Although a poor offensive line took much of the blame, the former No. 1 overall often needed to get rid of the ball rather than trying to extend a play. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) talks with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after the game at NRG Taormina-Imagn Images Stroud was sacked 52 times during last season, so he knows what it's like to hit the turf, too. The Texans and the Bears both spent much of the offseason reworking their offensive line, hoping to seal the cracks in last season's front lines. Advertisement Stroud is looking to bounce back after a lackluster sophomore season after passing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His rookie season was a different story, however, so hopefully the Ohio State product has more success on the horizon. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston Texans 2025 NFL Season Preview
Houston Texans 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement Inside the posh Breakers hotel during the league meetings in March, Houston Texans owner Cal McNair emphasized three words about the state of the defending AFC South champs: 'Pretty darn close.' The Texans have grown tired of losing in the AFC divisional round, falling to 0-6 all-time at that stage of the playoffs in January when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. As McNair and his wife, team foundation vice president Hannah McNair, see it, the Texans are poised to 'take another step.' There's justification for optimism. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans' leadership, the Texans have won back-to-back division titles. They return a former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in quarterback C.J. Stroud and a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in end Will Anderson Jr. Stroud can hand it off to Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon or throw it to star receiver Nico Collins. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Advertisement They rewarded All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. with a $90 million extension to make him the highest-paid cornerback in the game. Ball-hawking safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was acquired in a trade from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to make an already loaded secondary an elite unit. 'Championship or nothing,' Gardner-Johnson says. 'Didn't bring me here to win the division, or the conference. I think we're going to get it real soon.' Offense The most dramatic offseason move was firing coordinator Bobby Slowik. He was dismissed largely due to a failure to adapt his schemes to counteract defenses, or to listen to input from key players and staff. Advertisement Nick Caley is Slowik's replacement, and he's expected to implement an offense well-schooled in concepts from his time working for Sean McVay, Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. The emphasis: marrying game plans tailored to personnel and matchups with the ability to change on the fly every week. Nico Collins is Houston's primary weapon in the passing game.© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Stroud has the necessary attributes of accuracy, arm strength and enough mobility and savvy to improvise. His regression statistically was primarily chalked up to substandard pass protection, and he appears ready to bounce back in his third season. He'll have more freedom to audible plays and protections. That all sounds good on paper. However, if an overhauled offensive line doesn't improve dramatically, the offense will remain stuck in neutral. Stroud was sacked 52 times last season. The Texans traded away Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, mostly for 'Moneyball' reasons. They cut declining guard Shaq Mason and traded disappointing former first-round pick Kenyon Green. Veteran Cam Robinson is penciled in to replace Tunsil. Advertisement Tytus Howard can play left guard or right tackle and is one of the few starters retained under a restructured contract. Rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery has upside, but he will need time to develop. Right tackle Blake Fisher will be challenged for the job after a rough playoff game against the Chiefs. Trent Brown is an option at right tackle, as are Howard and Ersery. Right guard is up for grabs between Juice Scruggs and Ed Ingram. Jarret Patterson has good technique and communicates well. He's trying to hold off former New England Patriot Jake Andrews at center. Former Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson is in the mix, too. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser was fired and replaced by Cole Popovich, who was promoted to offensive line coach/run game coordinator. Popovich and Caley are former Patriots colleagues who share a language learned from Belichick and Dante Scarnecchia in New England. Receiver has proven commodities in Collins, a No. 1 type who has elite size and athleticism at 6-foot-4, 222 pounds with 4.4 speed, and Christian Kirk, the consummate slot receiver as the No. 2. Adding a basketball-sized rookie receiver in Jayden Higgins and his college teammate Jaylin Noel to the slot should give the receiving room a boost. Tight end Dalton Schultz is coming off a rough year and hasn't lived up to his $36 million contract. The Texans hope Caley, who coached Rob Gronkowski in New England, can rejuvenate Schultz's game. Advertisement Losing Stefon Diggs hurts, as does the likelihood that Tank Dell will miss the season due to a knee injury. Stroud has to get acclimated to new targets to make this offense click after a stagnant year under Slowik. Mixon is a bruising runner with wiggle in the open field and sound hands. Acquiring him for a seventh-round pick was a steal. Fourth-round pick Woody Marks figures to be the third-down back and add a change of pace. Used infrequently, Dameon Pierce has power and some breakaway ability. Jakob Johnson is the new lead-blocking fullback. Defense Ryans is the architect of one of the NFL's top defenses and is known for his aggressive 4-3 schemes. He believes in getting after the quarterback and has assembled a formidable edge tandem in Danielle Hunter and Anderson. Hunter's Euro Step move is tough to stop. Anderson's overall game is maturing, and he has a relentless style. Sheldon Rankins is back to add leadership and inside quickness. Tim Settle Jr.'s size and strength set him apart. Mario Edwards Jr. is an underrated interior rusher. There's a lot of depth with Denico Autry, Derek Barnett and Darrell Taylor to keep the rotation fresh. Will AndersonTroy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Azeez Al-Shaair is a rangy, hard-hitting middle linebacker whose presence was missed after his suspension for an illegal hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence. There's competition for the other linebacker spot between Henry To'oTo'o, Christian Harris (who has durability issues) and newcomer E.J. Speed, who many believe will emerge as a starter. Advertisement Stingley has outstanding hands and is faster and tougher than most of his opponents. Gardner-Johnson has a nose for the ball and an intense, trash-talking personality. Nickel Jalen Pitre is on track to make it back from a torn pectoral. Like Stingley, he got a top-of-the-market contract extension. Kamari Lassiter loves to hit and roughs up receivers as the corner opposite Stingley. Calen Bullock, working next to Gardner-Johnson, gives the Texans one of the better safety duos in the NFL. SPECIALISTS Coordinator Frank Ross has built a solid group, especially with Ka'imi Fairbairn, one of the most accurate long-distance placekickers in the NFL. Tommy Townsend has booming hangtime on his punts. Tucker Addington and undrafted free agent Austin Brinkman are competing to replace long-snapper Jon Weeks. There are good options in the return game, especially former All-Pro Braxton Berrios. Reserve corners D'Angelo Ross and Tremon Smith excel at kick coverage. Final Analysis The Texans have proven they're more than good enough to dominate the AFC South again and get back to the playoffs. Whether they're really talented enough to make some noise in the postseason remains to be seen. The defense is definitely good enough, but the offense needs to hold up its end of the bargain. Advertisement The Texans like the culture they've built and the chemistry between Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio, who has rebuilt the roster. 'We trust Nick and we trust DeMeco to do what's best for the team,' Cal McNair says. 'We're confident in their ability to do what's best for the team and put a great product on the field. We can't wait to see it.' More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available Related: Indianapolis Colts' One Big Question: Can Anthony Richardson Save His NFL Career? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran WR Christian Kirk Reveals Texans Ceiling with QB C.J. Stroud
Veteran WR Christian Kirk Reveals Texans Ceiling with QB C.J. Stroud originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Houston Texans veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk has played alongside a few talented quarterbacks throughout his seven-year NFL career. Advertisement After being acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, Kirk is certainly looking forward to working with C.J. Stroud. Speaking with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday, Kirk revealed that excitement and what has impressed him thus far about the Texans' third-year starter. 'The thing that sticks out about C.J. is he's super mild-mannered, but he has a lot of confidence, he's smart, he sees things well,' Kirk said. 'He's a really good communicator and I think with that position, quarterback, and him being a younger guy, that's a big part of him getting to where he is now and still excelling, the communication piece with not only the receivers but new offensive coordinator, offensive line, whatever the case may be it's just open communication and us being all on the same page to help him excel.' Advertisement After an impressive rookie campaign, Stroud's numbers dipped slightly during his sophomore year. He threw for 3,727 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season. His 49.8 QBR - down from 58.3 the previous year - was 24th among NFL quarterbacks. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicampMaria Lysaker-Imagn Images Despite the drop in production, Stroud led the Texans to another AFC South title and divisional round berth last season. Kirk, however, believes they can go even further this season. 'He's going to take this team as far as we want to go, with him being at his best,' Kirk said. 'He's been great within the few months of spending time around him, communicating with him in the locker room, outside the facility, he's got a bright future and I'm really excited to get to work with him.' Advertisement Kirk is one of several new wide receivers Stroud will have at his disposal this fall. The Texans added veterans Braxton Berrios and Justin Watson this offseason, and scooped up Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft. They also return Nico Collins, who has recorded two-straight 1,000-yard seasons. Related: Texans' Will Anderson Jr. Among Favorites to Match J.J. Watt in Rare Feat Related: Following Nick Chubb Addition, Texans Rookie 'Under Pressure' Entering Training Camp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud returns to practice, throwing during minicamp
Houston Texans fans can exhale a sigh of relief following the start of Tuesday's mandatory minicamp at the Methodist Training Center. Third-year Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud threw passes for the first time in almost a month during the opening of Tuesday's minicamp practice. He connected on several completions to Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins and rookie Jayden Higgins that caught the eye of reporters in practice. Advertisement Here's a look at several throws during the early stages of team drills. Stroud was kept from throwing during the Texans' OTA practices over the last two weeks because he was dealing with 'general soreness' in his throwing shoulder, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Both Ryans and first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley said that they weren't concerned with Stroud missing reps and he'd be ready to go ahead of training camp. Stroud is in a pivotal year for the Texans after leading the franchise to back-to-back division titles. With a pair of losses in the divisional round, Houston spent the offeseason trying to revamp the offense and put the franchise quarterback in a better position to succeed. Advertisement While Stroud didn't throw during team drills, the fact that he was throwing at practice in general is a promising sign. Houston could elevate his reps on Wednesday's practice to close out minicamp with the media. The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws at minicamp during drills
New York Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Texans' Jayden Higgins makes history with fully guaranteed deal: What he'll bring to Houston
The Houston Texans and rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins made history Thursday by agreeing to a fully guaranteed contract, the first-ever for a second-round NFL draft pick, according to multiple reports. The four-year deal will pay Higgins just more than $11.7 million. Houston drafted the Iowa State star with the 34th pick after he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cyclones last season. Advertisement The Texans went heavy on offense in the 2025 NFL Draft, as six of their nine picks went to that side of the ball. They even drafted Higgins' college teammate Jaylin Noel, also a receiver, in the third round. Both pass catchers will play alongside another former Cyclones star, wideout Xavier Hutchinson. Houston will be relying on its young newcomers — and their ability to build rapport with quarterback C.J. Stroud — after losing Stefon Diggs in free agency to the New England Patriots. The Texans also have to wait for Tank Dell to recover from knee surgery after the receiver was injured in Week 16 of last season. Higgins, who transferred to Iowa State in 2023 after two years at Eastern Kentucky, was one of the best big man receivers in college football last season, combining with talented teammate (and now current Houston teammate) Noel to pace the Cyclones' offense. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Higgins was tied for second among Big 12 receivers with 14 contested catches in 2024, working all over the formation for Iowa State. Physically, Higgins is very similar to current Texans standout Nico Collins — as Higgins ran an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash with a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump at the combine. All numbers are similar to what Collins put up ahead of the 2021 draft. The best part about Higgins' game is that he can move like a much smaller player, both during his route and after the catch. I thought Noel, who the Texans got in the third round, was slightly better than Higgins. But these were two of the best WRs in the 2025 draft class and should provide instant help for Stroud and Houston's offense this fall. — Nick Baumgardner, NFL draft writer
