Mike Vrabel does not mince words, and the New England Patriots head coach had plenty to say about C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans ahead of their visit this weekend in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Stroud and the Texans have been highly complimentary of Vrabel and the turnaround he has led in his first year as the Patriots’ head coach.
Vrabel, for his part, spoke candidly about Stroud and the Texans, too.
Mike Vrabel Talks C.J. Stroud, Pressure Before Texans-Patriots
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
During his first media availability of the week, Vrabel fielded a question about Stroud and what makes the Texans QB effective.
“He’s athletic enough to extend. But also, the pocket presence that you want,” Vrabel told reporters on January 15. He can turn his back to the defense and come out of there and throw play action. Does a good job on the boot game. He keeps his eyes downfield. He’s accurate. So, he kind of gives you a little bit of both as far as the ability to extend plays, but always keeping his eyes down the field.”
Vrabel knows it is on the Patriots to get Stroud and the Texans’ offense out of rhythm. That included additional pressure in New England’s AFC Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stroud and the Texans could face a similar game plan, which could expose the Patriots’ corners.
“You have to be able to do that. The more you rush, the less you have in coverage. That’s no secret,” Vrabel said about trusting his back end. “We just want to … try to disrupt the quarterback based on the plan, and based on how the game’s going. But those guys have to do a good job, whether we’re matched or we’re playing some zone coverage behind it.”
Stroud has a healthy respect for Patriots cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez, but the Texans QB also faced and defeated New England last season.
Davis is a new addition, but Vrabel’s is the most significant for the Patriots.
Mike Vrabel Lauds Texans’ Defense
GettyDanielle Hunter #55 and Will Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans celebrate against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Vrabel lauded the Texans’ defense, saying, “Of course,” it is the best defense they have faced this season.
“They have great talent, great scheme. They play hard, and respect how hard they play, and they’re just, not only talented, but they have a play demeanor that I can appreciate,” Vrabel said of the Texans’ defense.
“Maybe the volume isn’t as much. I think the volume increases on third down, where you’ll maybe get some multiple looks, and pressures, and different things. But I think we pretty much would have an idea of where they’re going to be on first and second down. They’ll mix in pressures. And then, they match up, and then we’ll get into the zone, and–but I think the volume probably comes more in on third down.”
Vrabel said that he likes how the Texans “play to the football. They chase the football, and they get a lot of hats of the football. They create turnovers, they play physical.”
He also lauded the all-around play of defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
With that kind of backing, Stroud just has to take care of the football and keep the Texans as on schedule as possible offensively. If he can do that, Stroud and the Texans will reach the first AFC Championship Game in franchise history.
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