Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud has no fear of T.J. Watt

C.J. Stroud, meet T.J. Watt. That’s about to happen on more than one occasion when the Houston Texans rookie quarterback takes the field on Sunday.

While Stroud respects Watt, he puts on like he doesn’t fear him.

“[T.J. Watt is] a great player – both 90 and 56 [Alex Highsmith] – definitely two dogs,” Stroud said on Wednesday. “This isn’t the first time I’m playing against really good [defensive] ends either.”

This is the first time he’s going up against the likes of Watt, though. And he’s not seen anything like him in his three-week career.

Who should tell him?

Stroud should be shaking in his Texas-sized boots. He’s been sacked 11 times in three weeks and will probably take a few more on the chin from Watt, Alex Highsmith and company on Sunday. Watt, the AFC Defensive Player of the Month, leads the league in sacks (six) and total pressures (20) — one of which led to an interception versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Highsmith has a sack to his name, as well as 12 total pressures.

“You have to be aware of them, but at the same time, we have to have confidence in what we’re doing,” said Stroud. “They have to play us, too. We’re not just going to lay down and just submit because he’s the best player.”

Story originally appeared on Steelers Wire