C.J. Stroud: “The time is now.”
As the 2023 regular season commenced, prevailing opinions suggested that the Texans would exhibit improvement but potentially contend for the playoffs in the ensuing seasons. The preceding year saw them secure merely three victories, navigating under the guidance of a rookie head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback. However, current sentiments dismiss those expectations, with the Texans asserting that their time has arrived.
Boasting a 9-7 record, the team heads to Indianapolis for a pivotal clash against the 9-7 Colts on Saturday night, determining their playoff fate. The victor advances, while the loser concludes their season. Furthermore, a win, coupled with a Jaguars loss, secures the AFC South crown. This scenario places the Texans in an unprecedented position for a regular season finale, and despite guaranteeing a winning record, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and his team are not content.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick in the April NFL Draft, exceeded expectations, positioning himself as a strong contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. With 21 touchdowns, five interceptions, and an impressive 99.0 passer rating, Stroud, along with five other Texans, earned Pro Bowl alternates. Notably, left tackle Laremy Tunsil secured his fourth Pro Bowl selection. The remaining five alternates, all with less than five years of experience, include Stroud, wide receiver Nico Collins, cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr., and defensive ends Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson, Jr.
While the Pro Bowl awaits in early February, Stroud expresses a preference for skipping festivities in favor of Super Bowl preparations. Emphasizing the urgency, he declares, “The time is now,” rejecting the notion of future opportunities. Stroud is enthusiastic about controlling their destiny and emphasizes seizing the present moment.
To transform this aspiration into reality, the Texans must first overcome the Colts. A victory on Saturday night secures a spot in the postseason, potentially leading to matchups in either Kansas City or Buffalo if the Jaguars also triumph. Stroud’s return after a two-week absence due to a concussion has injected positivity into the locker room, elevating confidence as the team prepares to face their AFC South adversary.
The Texans, led by their promising quarterback and fortified by recent successes, approach the upcoming challenge with optimism. As they set their sights on playoff contention, the narrative suggests that the Texans’ journey might just be commencing, signaling a potential turning point for the team.
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