DeMeco Ryans wants C.J. Stroud to "flush" Sunday's performance against the Patriots

NBC Sports • January 20, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans defended quarterback C.J. Stroud despite four first-half interceptions in the division-round loss to the Patriots, emphasizing Stroud's overall progress during the 2025 season in learning a new offense and contributing to wins.
Ryans acknowledged the intense scrutiny on the quarterback position and urged Stroud to ignore negative media, focus on fundamentals, and mentally reset during the offseason to improve in 2026.
The coach expressed confidence in Stroud's capabilities and encouraged him to learn from mistakes rather than be defined by them, highlighting the pressure and expectations faced by a team leader.
The Texans are expected to pick up Stroud’s fifth-year rookie option, but Ryans did not comment on a