C.J. Stroud Houston Texans
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C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans.
After losing the first three games of the 2025 NFL season, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans showed some signs of promise in Week 4 with a much-needed win over the Tennessee Titans. The Texans pulled off a 26-point shutout against Cam Ward’s squad, with Stroud and company hoping to carry that momentum over to Week 5.
With the Texans struggling over the first month of the 2025 campaign, Stroud has taken a lot of the criticism, as he continues to find it difficult to reclaim his form from his Pro Bowl season during his rookie year.
Despite the constant criticism, Stroud is taking things in strike, while still showing his upbeat personality and positive attitude.
C.J. Stroud Opens Up About Running the Football
C.J. Stroud Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans scrambles against Dre’Mont Jones #45 of the Tennessee Titans.
During his rookie campaign with the Texans in the 2023 NFL season, Stroud rushed for three touchdowns, demonstrating that he could be a threat with both his arm and his legs.
Since the 2023 campaign, Stroud hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown. The Texans star was asked about how he feels about using his legs more moving forward.
“I think I feel good about it,” Stroud said on using his legs more during a team press conference. “I don’t try to overanalyze that area. I just try to play instinctively when it comes to running. I don’t try to overthink that.”
Clearly, Stroud seems open to carrying the football more. He was even asked if he enjoys that part of the game when it comes to scrambling.
“I enjoy football,” Stroud said. “I do. Anything that has to do with it. I just love playing. Throwing the ball, running it, getting hit hard. Getting yelled at. Whatever comes with it. You can’t accept the good and not the bad. I think the running part is a fun part.”
Apparently, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has been urging his quarterback to run the football more, with his teammates and his head coach enjoying it.
“I think my teammates like it,” Stroud said. “I think DeMeco [Ryans] likes it, too. He’s always telling me to run the ball.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Stroud does end up using his legs more in Week 5 and beyond. It could help make the offense that much more dynamic and complex for opposing defenses to contain.
C.J. Stroud Makes Stunning Admission About His Speed
C.J. Stroud Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans scrambles in the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Along with seemingly being open to running the football more often and using his legs to beat defenses he faces moving forward, Stroud made an interesting and unexpected admission, especially at 23 years old.
“I think the explosiveness comes from being better with my diet, being better with stretching,” Stroud said. “I feel like I’m getting old. I’m not as quick as I used to be.
“I was watching my high school stuff a couple of days ago. I was like 180 and I was rolling, but not no more. But yeah, I try to be better with that stuff so I can run fast.”
Clearly, Stroud doesn’t view himself as a quarterback who strikes fear in the hearts of pass rushers in the NFL, but there’s still time to change that, even if he believes he’s not a “quick” quarterback.