C.J. Stroud on trusting Nick Caley and getting Tank Dell back
C.J. Stroud threw for 384 yards and five touchdowns in the Texans’ 44–22 win over the Chargers on Sunday. After the game, he said he had felt sick during the week, barely practiced Thursday and still had chills on game day. He said he did not know what the illness was and credited his teammates for helping him get through the week.
Trust in Nick Caley kept Houston attacking
Stroud said Nico Collins helped set the tone early. He also pointed to throws he missed on the second drive, a reminder that the offense had to find its rhythm against a difficult front. He credited the line for settling in as the game went on and said of offensive coordinator Nick Caley, “I got the utmost trust in him.”
Asked about getting a sixth touchdown, Stroud said he wasn’t chasing one. His explanation for continuing to attack downfield was that the Chargers were still competing. Houston had reason to keep pressing, especially after Los Angeles cut the lead to 10–9 before Tank Dell’s 63-yard touchdown.
Tank Dell gave the passing game another way to win
Stroud praised Dell’s faith and perseverance through rehab. In his second game back, Dell caught four passes for 105 yards. Kayshon Boutte added 125 yards and two touchdowns on four catches, giving Houston multiple ways to generate explosive plays.
Stroud also credited Ryan Day for teaching him to move on to the next play. That mindset came up in a game where he threw an interception and still finished with five touchdowns. He said the team could enjoy the win before turning back to work.
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