Texans OC Nick Caley: It’s a new year, and C.J. Stroud is locked in

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a solid regular season last year, but he melted down in the playoffs, with four interceptions in Houston’s divisional round loss at New England. Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley says Stroud shouldn’t be judged on that one game.

“There was a lot of progress that C.J. and the offense made last year,” Caley told the Houston Chronicle. “We continued to get better from the start of the season to the end of the regular season and just continued to make progress from week to week. So we’re going to continue to build on that. It’s a new year. C.J. has done a great job out here. Looks good. Locked in.”

Caley, who was in his first year as an offensive coordinator last season, says he has grown along with Stroud.

“All these reps are invaluable not just for the players but for the coaches too,” he said. “Starting with me. I’ve had a good spring, continuing to get better, continuing to stay hungry and keep rolling and growing through training camp. For me, it’s no different than what we tell the players — it’s just continuing to work at it and being honest with yourself along the way.”

Stroud has led the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs in all three of his seasons as their starter, but they’d like to take the next step. Caley thinks he’s ready to do that.