The Houston Texans aren’t worried about C.J. Stroud after he had the worst game of his young career in a loss to Green Bay last week.
They are confident he will bounce back on Sunday when the AFC South-leading Texans (5-2) host the second-place Indianapolis Colts (4-3). They are aiming to win the season series for only the second time in the team’s history.
“C.J. handles adversity really well because he’s really grounded … and it doesn’t dictate who he is or change his personality and what he’s about,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “So, I’m excited to see how, not only C.J., but how everyone responds after losing a game.”
Stroud, in his second year, had a career-low of 86 yards passing and didn’t throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season as the Packers defeated Houston 24-22, ending their three-game winning streak.
Instead of focusing on his poor performance, Stroud sees it as a chance to learn.
“Not everything goes your way and it is all about how you respond,” he said. “For me, I just watch the film, be critical on myself and just get better from there.”
Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson also struggled last week against Miami in his return after missing almost three full games due to a hip injury. He completed just 41.7% of his passes for 129 yards.
But the Colts are happy they won despite his difficulties, as he helped lead them to two fourth-quarter field goals in the 16-10 victory.
Coach Shane Steichen emphasized that Richardson still lacks experience in the NFL because of his injuries.
“We’re just trying to look for growth week in and week out,” he said. “I think he’s played nine games in the NFL now and going into another one with an opponent that he’s faced before, so it’s good. He’s seeing some familiar faces. So, excited for Sunday for him.”
