Quarterback C.J. Stroud returned to action for the Houston Texans in Week 13, defeating the Indianapolis Colts to get the team to 7-5 on the season. With the Texans facing a critical test against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, Stroud spoke candidly.
The Texans are well aware of how their last meeting against the Chiefs went.
Stroud noted that the weather would not impact him too adversely, but he was also clear in his opinions about the Chiefs and their stars.
C.J. Stroud Praises Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Before Texans Visit KC
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts.
Stroud touted the atmosphere at Arrohead Stadium, noting that Chiefs fans are passionate and do not hold back. Stroud also had strong comments about several players the Texans must focus on stopping, or at least slowing down, in Week 14.
Stroud was first asked about any potential rivalry with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
Stroud said there was none, other than a competitive respect for the two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion.
“It’s always cool to go play in KC, against a team who’s been really great for the last couple years. I’ve been a fan of Pat for a long time. And just, he’s a heck of a player, and it’s just really cool, being about five years ago, I was in high school, watching. And then, now you’re competing against those guys,” Stroud told reporters on December 3.
“I don’t really think we have that [rivalry]. I don’t really know him too well. But I think he’s a heck of a player. And anytime you get to share the field with some legendary guys, you just try to gain their respect and move from there.”
Mahomes has the edge in terms of individual stats this season.
However, Stroud and the Texans enter this tilt with a slightly better record than the Chiefs. Of course, Stroud does not play against Mahomes directly.
C.J. Stroud IDs Chiefs’ Key Defenders
GettyChris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs takes the field before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Stroud was also asked about Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones, a.k.a “Stone Cold,” a nickname he was previously unaware of. Stroud had nothing but praise for Jones and fellow Chiefs defensive lineman George Karlaftis.
“I didn’t know that’s what people called him,” Stroud said, reacting with a chuckle. “Oh, cool. Yeah, he’s a heck of a player, man. He’s a legend, he’s a Hall of Fame guy – he’s really good. Karlaftis, somebody I played against in college, played against last year. Had a really good game last year.
“We got to be really good up front. We know that every game, the better we establish the line of scrimmage, the better we play as a offense. So, be good for us.”
Stroud offered praise for Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, too.
“Trent McDuffie is one of the best in the league, and he’s been doing it for a long time,” Stroud told media members of the two-time Super Bowl champion and 2023 First Team All-Pro’s impact on the Chiefs’ defense.
C.J. Stroud Gets Honest About Steve Spagnuolo
GettyKansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo calls a play against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
Stroud noted that he is always working to sharpen his game “all around,” which will be necessary against an aggressive defensive coordinator such as the Chiefs’ Steve Spagnuolo.
“He gets really creative with his blitz packages and his personnel. And he has some really talented guys on the outside, where they could mix spots. Some of them can be a nickel, go play corner or play safety,” Stroud said. “Spags is somebody I have a lot of respect for and does a really good job of making it hard on you.
“Spags is a heck of a DC. Somebody who knows what he’s doing. Knows how to get his guys in one-on-ones and messes with your protection rules, and things like that. So, you got to just be alert for that type of stuff. And I just think scoring in the red zone – scoring touchdowns – is going to be big. That’s every week. But I think even up there, we made it to the red zone a couple times and didn’t punch in 7 [points]. So, I think that that’s got to be a goal of ours, is to do that better. So, I think that that’s some things that I can take from last year’s game.”
The Texans were 1-for-3 in the red zone against the Chiefs in that 2024 playoff game. Stroud played well, throwing for 245 yards on 67.8% completion, though he did not throw any touchdowns (or interceptions) and was sacked 8 times.
The Texans must protect Stroud better this time around if they want a different result.
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