Ever since CJ Stroud was drafted, he has shown his work. And when we say this, we aren’t lying. The stats say it all—the young signal caller has recorded a passer rating of 100.5 with 976 yards, along with 4 TDs and just 1 INT. These numbers sum up his 4 playoff appearances in the NFL. However, the aim isn’t fulfilled. So, it’s obvious that reaching such a close level to the Super Bowl, two years of continuous heartbreaks can be demotivating. However, in the Houston Texans quarterback’s case, he is as motivated as ever. But…but! There is one thing the 23-year-old player needs to follow.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is attending the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. But before that, he had an exclusive talk with NFL reporter, Cameron Wolfe. During the discussion, Ryans was asked about CJ Stroud and his hunger to reach the next level of the playoffs. To which the head coach had a very serious piece of advice and a strong demand, which, if followed, could work wonders for him. So, what did he say?

Well, DeMeco Ryans didn’t hide his feelings while praising CJ Stroud and his capabilities. But according to him, all the QB needs to do is: “CJ has to take a step back, and really dive into the off-season. And that’s where your season is won. Like, how are you putting that work into the off-season….how are you hitting the weight room….how are you detailing your craft and improving that and bringing other guys along with you? And I think CJ is gonna be much better. He’s gonna have a much better off-season this time around.”

Ryans is confident that his quarterback CJ Stroud will definitely come out better next season and in playoffs. Why? It’s because “He’s (Stroud) invested into being great. And you have a player who has that mindset to be great. We’ve seen his capabilities. We’ve seen the throws he’s made all up and down the field. Any throw, any play, we need to make him utilize his legs to make, like, he’s more than talented, to lead our team to that next step.”

But while doing so, CJ Stroud just needs to do one thing, as per the HC. And what is that? Well, it’s “Just him just continue to get those other guys around him to play the same way.” He urged other players on the team to be determined like Stroud and approach the playoffs in the same way. This could help the team reach greatness, as they are currently ranked pretty good in the NFLPA Report Card.

What does the NFLPA report card say about CJ Stroud’s Texans?

There is no doubt that the Texans have improved a lot after CJ Stroud’s entry. This past season they even defeated Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers with a massive 32-12 score in the wildcard round. Although they lost to the Super Bowl runner-up, the Chiefs, in the divisional round, they at least made a strong impression on the report card. As per the NFLPA report card, CJ Stroud’s team is ranked at no. 6 after the 2024 season.

According to Yahoo Sports Magazine, the team received good scores in terms of leadership and nutrition. HC DeMeco Ryans and owner Cal McNair both received serious respect, setting the tone for a strong, united locker room. No major complaints, no lingering frustrations—just a team that’s taking care of its own. In a league where player satisfaction isn’t always guaranteed, Houston is standing out in the best way possible. Here’s why:

Treatment of Families: B- (14th)
Food / Dining Area: A (2nd)
Nutritionist/ Dietician: A (4th)
Locker Room: B (13th)
Training Room: B+ (8th)
Training Staff: B+ (8th)
Weight Room: B+ (14th)
Strength Coaches: B+ (17th)
Team Travel: B (22nd)
Head Coach: A (15th)
Ownership: A (7th)

So, in terms of team travel and strength coaches, the Texans need to improve a bit more. Besides that, they are creating a positive space for the players. An environment for players to thrive and make a championship run!