WHEN C.J. STROUD got home from a Week 2 practice, he freshened up and started watching tape on the Chicago Bears defense. Midway through the session, the Houston Texans' second-year quarterback started firing off text messages to his group chat of receivers and tight ends with thoughts on how to attack the opposition.
Stroud included the weekly cut-up clips that quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor sent him to point out their upcoming opponent's weaknesses.
One message read "Be ready to cross the safety's face," foreshadowing what would take place in the Texans' lone touchdown in the 19-13 win.