Texans' C.J. Stroud pledges to learn from mistakes in preseason debut - ESPN

HOUSTON — Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud vowed to learn from his errors and «keep growing» after struggling in his preseason debut Thursday night.

Stroud went 2-for-4 for 13 yards with an interception in his two series as the Texans defeated the New England Patriots 20-9 in their first preseason game.

However, coach DeMeco Ryans said he wasn't concerned about his rookie quarterback's struggles and had a positive view on the No. 2 pick's performance.

«We all have things to clean up and get better at, but I thought it was a good first outing,» Ryans said. «Good look at live action. I thought it was good for him.»

Stroud called his debut «solid» and said his interception to Patriots safety Jalen Mills was «a learning opportunity.»

«Just trust my eyes. I seen a certain look to where I knew in film, that they could run that to where the safety, if his man blocks, he'll come off and really be locked into my eyes,» Stroud said. «I just lost track of that and just forced it. Should have just checked it down to Dalton [Schultz].»

Ryans said the interception is why live game reps for Stroud are vital for his overall development.

«With the interception, I think Mills made a really nice play, veteran player. Made a nice play. We probably were a little late there with the ball, and it was a learning lesson, and that's why we do preseason,» Ryans said. «That's why it's important to get live game reps, so you can see how can you come out and improve, where can you improve, what do I need to do different next time on those certain plays, and of course offensively, we want to be in position to take care of the ball better. That's our No. 1 thing.»

One reason for Stroud's struggles was the duress he faced, as he was pressured on 60% of