Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud is heading into the second season as a starter for the Houston Texans after perhaps the most prolific and dominate rookie season of any quarterback in NFL history, and it sounds like he is hoping to take the next step in terms of his development as a quarterback in the league.

During his press conference on Thursday morning, C.J. Stroud indicated that there are “a ton of things” he can do better, and that begins with “owning the offense more” than he did during his rookie season.

“I want to definitely attack down the field more this year and press guys back, but also take what the defense gives me,” Stroud said according to Pro Football Talk. “If it’s a boring play, stick with the boring stuff and just be efficient with that. Those are all things I can get better at.”

Stroud is obviously more comfortable this offseason than he was at this point last offseason. He is no longer learning the offense or trying to earn his role as the starter. Instead, he can simply focus on getting better and entering the season as the best version of himself that he can be.

We’ll have to see how he performs.

[Pro Football Talk]