Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has reported feeling healthy and agile during the current training camp as he prepares for the 2024 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. After experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder that limited his participation during the offseason workouts, Stroud now says he is running at full speed and feeling strong physically. This improvement is crucial as he works toward a breakout campaign with the Houston Texans.
Stroud Focuses on Team Chemistry and Offensive Timing
Stroud emphasized that the Texans’ offensive progress depends heavily on building chemistry and mastering timing with his teammates. He noted that discussions regarding route running and understanding the offensive scheme have been productive, helping players and coaches align their approaches. Despite challenges posing from a tough defensive opposition, Stroud conveyed confidence in their incremental improvement every day.
“It takes time,” Stroud said.
“It’s not something that happens overnight. I feel like we’re getting better every day. We’re having good conversations on how routes are going to be ran and scheme is seen by both player and coach. So, it’s been really good to hash out some things and going against a good defense. So, it’s not always easy going against them and they’re really good. So, it’s bumps and bruises, but I feel like we’re making progress.”
—C.J. Stroud, Texans Quarterback
Reflection on Past Challenges and a New Mental Approach
Last season, Stroud endured 52 sacks, which significantly affected his statistics, including a decline in passing yards and touchdowns. Acknowledging the frustration caused by those difficulties, he expressed a desire to improve his mindset and body language during tough moments in 2024. Inspired by advice from a pastor, Stroud explained his intention to treat mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
“My body language isn’t always great,”
Stroud said.
“I love winning. It’s hard when you’re not doing what you want to do or things around you aren’t great. It’s easy to be negative. So, my thing is I have to try to be more positive in my body language and things like that. This is a little nugget that I got from a pastor was, ‘Mistakes and failures or even successes can either be a classroom or a coffin.’ So, I can either let it train me and I can learn from it or I can let it kill me and I can get in a coffin with it and let that mistake take a course in a negative route. For me, I try to make it a classroom as much as possible to where I can learn from it, analyze it, study it and then move on. I think that’s something that I’m trying to get better at.”
—C.J. Stroud, Texans Quarterback
Offensive Line Depth Gains Attention from NFL Executives
While Stroud and the Texans focus on their offense, other NFL teams highlight the importance of offensive line strength and depth. Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone pointed to lessons learned from his time with the Los Angeles Rams regarding the critical role of effective offensive line players beyond the starters. Gladstone has taken significant steps to improve Jacksonville’s offensive line by adding new starters Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari and increasing depth through the draft and free agency.
“That was a good setting just to continue to lean into what we know we’ll want to prioritize into the future as well, and obviously did over the course of the offseason,”
Gladstone shared.
“As I think back to my time in Los Angeles, that was really the lone area that could hinder our offense. When we got past our sixth offensive lineman, we felt the pains of 7 through 10 when needed to call on as really standing in the way of us being effective. So this is good with me, because knowing that somebody’s going to go down at some point, we won’t feel that pain to the degree that I experienced in Los Angeles knowing this system can really be hurt by that.”
—James Gladstone, Jacksonville Jaguars GM
Veteran Linebacker Dre’Mont Jones Brings Leadership and Physicality to Titans
In Tennessee, linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, signed as an unrestricted free agent, is preparing for his seventh NFL season with a leadership mindset. Jones aims to be a physical presence on the defensive line, setting the tone for the Titans as they build their defense for future success. He expressed a strong desire to prove his value to the team and reminds others of his capabilities.
“You do that by being physical as F,”
Jones said.
“Every day, bringing it, striking, taking off, getting to a guy’s chest. Let him know who wants to win. That’s what I plan to do every day. But I definitely want to prove myself, and I want to remind other teams who didn’t want me any more that I am still a hell of a player.”
—Dre’Mont Jones, Tennessee Titans Linebacker
Jones also highlighted his readiness to lead by example and contribute in all ways possible for Tennessee’s success.
“I am seven years in now,”
Jones explained.
“I need to be a tone-setter, I need to be a leader. It’s what I want to do, and it’s what I want to be – I want to be that guy. I am ready to embrace it. I want to be known as a guy who just do it all, and I want to show I can do anything for this team. I appreciate the Titans for giving this opportunity to make plays in the league, and showcase myself. We are coming out here to get hands on people, and get nasty.”
—Dre’Mont Jones, Tennessee Titans Linebacker
Preparing for a Season of Growth and Challenge
As training camps advance, C.J. Stroud‘s improved health and focus on teamwork offer renewed optimism for the Texans offence. His commitment to learning from challenges and maintaining a positive mindset underscores his readiness for a stronger 2024 performance. Meanwhile, teams like Jacksonville and Tennessee continue to deepen their rosters and leadership, reflecting the competitive intensity of the NFL heading into another demanding season.