Texans’ DeMeco Ryans highlights noticeable change with C.J. Stroud

The Houston Texans suffered from their own success at the end of last season. They got hot at the end of the year and exceeded all expectations to get to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. However, a nightmare day or C.J. Stroud and the offense in that loss to the New England Patriots has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans.

Now, all eyes are on Stroud. The former No. 2 overall pick all of a sudden has a lot to prove heading into his fourth season. After exploding onto the scene as a star quarterback as a rookie, Stroud has had two up-and-down seasons in a row.

At mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans talked about Stroud’s growing relationship with offensive coordinator Nick Caley heading into 2026.

DeMeco Ryans talked about the collaboration and growing relationship between C.J. Stroud and Nick Caley in the second year of the offense. pic.twitter.com/wqGQ1pFpSU

— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) June 16, 2026

“C.J. has ideas and thoughts on different plays and formations, things that he likes,” Ryans said. “We try to do our best to implement those things as well. The coach-player relationship is headed in the right direction, they’re growing much closer, they’re communicating better. That’s what it takes for a good offensive coordinator and a good quarterback, they have to work hand in hand. Those guys are doing that. It’s been outstanding.”

Ryans has been leading one of the best defenses in the NFL for a number of years now. In 2025, Houston’s defense finished the year as one of the most fearsome units in football, and that led the Texans all the way on their playoff run. During that Divisional Round loss, the Houston defense even kept it in the game with a chance to win in the second half despite the offense’s struggles.

All of that puts even more pressure on Stroud and the offense to get things figured out before the season starts. If the offense can even be above-average, this Houston team has a legitimate chance to make a run to the Super Bowl. That starts with Stroud getting back on his path to stardom from his rookie season.

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