EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.: The Houston Texans are surging towards the highest of the AFC South, led by a rookie quarterback who has made issues look fairly simple thus far.
C.J. Stroud is aware of the onerous half is forward of them.
“Really, these are the most meaningful games of the year after Thanksgiving and going into December and January,” Stroud stated. “We’ve gotten off to a good start and we’ve just got to keep that rolling.”
The Texans (7-5) have gained 4 of their previous 5 and are tied with Indianapolis for second within the AFC South, one sport behind Jacksonville — which might be with out injured quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday at Cleveland.
Houston is concentrated solely on the duty at hand: this week’s highway sport towards the struggling New York Jets (4-8), who’re beginning Zach Wilson at quarterback on Sunday.
“Proud of what they’ve done,” coach DeMeco Ryans stated of his Texans. “They know we’re not where we can be. We know we can still play much better ball than we’ve shown over the past several weeks, and everybody is hungry to improve. And that’s what I love most about our team is the hunger to continue to get better.”
So far, Stroud has been mighty spectacular, although.
The No. 2 total choose within the draft final April is main the NFL with 3,540 yards passing — the third most by a participant in his first 12 video games.
“He’s a very unique young quarterback,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stated. “He’s a guy I really wish we would’ve played Weeks 1 to 4 when he was still trying to figure out this game.”
Stroud additionally has 20 landing passes with simply 5 interceptions and hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous two video games.
“For me, it’s not just focused on me,” Stroud insisted. “I take full responsibility for being the leader, but the first thing I remember coming into the building, I was talking to a couple of vets, and they were like, ‘You’re not in this on your own. We’re right there with you, holding ourselves to the same standard you do. We’re right there.’”
Those conversations with defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Jonathan Greenard have helped hold Stroud even-keeled because the Texans make their run.
“That’s something that takes a lot of pressure off of my back,” Stroud stated. “And even though I put that pressure right back on, like me being my hardest critic, it also helps me relax, understand I can go be aggressive.”
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
The Jets have been capable of defend the cross nicely this season, and Stroud is their newest powerful activity.
New York hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer in 30 straight video games, a stretch that features having confronted the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert and Josh Allen (twice) this season.
“He’s a phenomenal quarterback,” defensive sort out Quinnen Williams stated. “A young guy that’s doing tremendous things, a lot of stuff well. A young guy that’s making big-time throws down the field.”
LENDING A HAND
The Jets may want to combine issues up a bit of on protection as a result of Ryans has some first-hand expertise with the kind of schemes New York coach Robert Saleh likes to run with Ulbrich.
Saleh was an assistant in Houston for more often than not Ryans performed for the Texans and was one of many individuals who inspired him to get into teaching.
“I learned how to coach from being under Saleh,” Ryans stated. “He taught me a lot when it comes to scheme, when it came to just handling players, game-planning. So, I learned a lot from Saleh and owe a lot to him and that’s probably the reason why I’m standing here before you because of him just taking me under his wing and teaching me the ropes.”
ZACH’S BACK
After being benched for 2 video games in favor of Tim Boyle, Wilson finds himself main the Jets’ huddle once more and seeking to assist finish New York’s five-game shedding streak.
That didn’t come with out some controversy, although, with The Athletic reporting earlier within the week Wilson was reluctant about probably beginning once more this season — citing potential damage issues. Also, the 24-year-old quarterback won’t be again subsequent season after struggling by means of his first three NFL years.
“Everybody knows that I am going to do everything I can for the guys in the locker room,” Wilson stated, “no matter the situation.”
STING AND SAUCE
Houston cornerback Derek Stingley was taken third within the 2022 draft, a spot forward of fellow cornerback Sauce Gardner by the Jets.
Some had criticized the Texans’ determination to draft Stingley after Gardner was chosen AP Defensive Rookie of the Year final season and Stingley had only one interception in 9 video games earlier than lacking the final eight with a hamstring damage.
He had one other setback this season when one other hamstring damage price him six video games. But Stingley has quieted the doubters since his return. He has 4 interceptions in his previous three video games, capped by a two-INT efficiency in final week’s win over Denver that earned him AFC defensive participant of the week.
“Really encouraged and pleased with Stingley and the work he’s put in,” Ryans stated. “Now he’s getting the attention, he’s making some plays, but he’s always had that in him. So, I’m just happy to see him make those plays and for other people to see that he is a top corner in this league.”
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AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken contributed.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
