20 November 2023 , 13:24
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has explained how the approach of NBA icon Stephen Curry mirrors his own after recovering from a tough day at the office to lead his team to victory.
Stroud was on form again as he helped the Texans claim a 21-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Victory in the Week 11 contest led to Houston moving to 6-4 for the year, while the Cardinals fell to 2-9 with the defeat.
The Texans have now won three consecutive games for the first time this season. Houston and first year head coach DeMeco Ryans now look in a good position to reach the playoffs with seven games left to play.
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Stroud was the No.2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft and was selected behind Bryce Young who went to the Carolina Panthers. The first half of the season has led to Stroud being named in contention for the MVP award, as well as the Rookie of the Year award.
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After helping the Texans defeat the Cardinals on Sunday, Stroud explained why he uses Curry as his inspiration. The Golden State Warriors star is widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, and Stroud says the NBA star's mentality is one he tries to replicate.
"Man, Steph Curry don't ever stop shooting," Stroud told reporters on Sunday, via the Texans official website. "I'm going to keep letting it ride.
"And I've got no shame in my game. I've definitely got to be smarter. No confidence is taken away from me. I'm going to keep letting it fly."
Stroud completed 27-of-37 passes against the Texans on Sunday, for 336 total passing yards. The rookie quarterback also completed two touchdown passes, which takes his total up to 17 for the year.
However, Stroud also had three interceptions against Arizona, which more than doubled his total for the season. Before the game in Week 11, Stroud had only had two interceptions across his previous nine games.
One of the picks was made in the end zone, while the other two interceptions were made in the red zone. Stroud later acknowledged that despite believing that he played well against the Cardinals, having as many as three interceptions in a single game is not acceptable going forward.
"I thought we threw the ball really well," said Stroud. "I don't look at three plays and, like, dang, I had a bad game.
"Of course I can't turn the ball over that much. Threw for 300 yards again two touchdowns. I don't think I played terrible, but of course, you can't turn the ball over."
Stroud and the Texans currently lie second in the AFC South and have the second of three consecutive home games coming up in Week 12. Houston will face current AFC South leaders Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday followed by the surging Denver Broncos - a potential AFC wild card rival - in Week 13 on December 3.