The Houston Texans are through to the playoff after their 23-19 victory over AFC South Division rivals Indianapolis Colts.
This will be Texans' first playoff appearance since 2019. Interestingly, their campaign ended that year by bowing to Indianapolis in the Wild Card Playoffs stage.
They got one better from their rivals this time. But it is more than that for the Texans and players.
Stroud and Texans fans were emotional after the game and they have every right to feel that way.
They were not expected to make the playoffs this year and the past seasons have been miserable.
Bookmakers put their chances of winning the Super Bowl at +20000 but after the win over the Colts, it is now at +8000.
This time feels different for people who support the Texans. Stroud, selected second overall in the 2023 draft, believes their time is now after being the laughing stock in the past seasons.
There are still games to play but supporters should take this season as a win. Fans can savor all the good things that happened in 2023 without worrying for the future. They have something to build on and here are three of them:
1. CJ Stroud is the future.
A pure passing quarterback in the NFL? CJ Stroud is the guy. The Texans got in them a franchise with a steel of heart.
In 15 games this season, he recorded a passer rating of 100.8 with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
His rookie season is as sensational as it can be after breaking records here and there. He is the first player in the league to have 900 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns with 0 interceptions in his first three career starts.
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He also surpassed Kansas City Chiefs and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes as the youngest player to record 450+ pass yards and 5 TD in a game.
There is a lot more to talk about Stroud's statistics but one thing is for sure, he is not afraid of big moments.
He showed that in a game-winning drive in the victory against Tampa Bay in November and another clutch play that led his team to 30-27 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In their last two much-needed wins to make the playoffs, he recorded an average of 118.4 passer rating and three touch downs.
2. DeMeco Ryans is the right coach for the job.
There were doubts about the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as Texans head coach but game by game, he has proven the naysayers wrong.
He's had stints as a defensive coach with other teams but this is the first time he became the main designer of an NFL squad.
Stability is what he brought to the team ever since taking over for Lovie Smith at the start of the season.
His coaching style is a tad different from what the traditional coaches preach. He is a locker room favorite who encourages everyone for the good things things they have done.
He is coaching the way he wanted to be coached and that is huge for a young squad like the Texans.
He wants to build connections with his players first before implementing strategies and schemes.
"The best piece of advice I've ever gotten about coaching is that the players don't care about how much you know, they're focused on how much you care," Ryans told KPRC 2.
That culture is now translating to wins.
3. They need improved defensive.
The defensive line was last in the NFL in 2022, finishing with 170.2 yards per game allowed.
They improved this season but injuries kept the team from fulfilling their potential. Coach Ryans know there is still a lot left to be desired.
The defensive line depth chart has room for improvement with Juice Scruggs and Kenyon Green yet to mature in the role.
Edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr., together with defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins also continue to miss time.
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