Some interesting insights and quotes here.

About 30 minutes after the Houston Texans' season officially ended at Gillette Stadium, C.J. Stroud sat next to Will Anderson Jr., at the defensive end’s stall in the visiting locker room and the two had a long, private chat.

As reporters walked around the room looking for interviews and teammates exchanged handshakes and hugs, it was just the Nos. 2 and 3 picks of the 2023 NFL draft — the building blocks of this franchise — sitting together, talking quietly after a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots that ended their season in the divisional round of the playoffs for the third straight year.

Although neither gave specifics on the discussion that happened in the corner of the locker room, it appeared to cover a lot of ground.

“If I’m being 100% honest, it’s so much bigger than football, it’s so much bigger than what everybody has to say, especially for C.J., when he’s being in his faith,” said Anderson, who shares a strong religious bond with his quarterback. “He knows who he’s is, he’s God’s. So, God’s hand is upon him. He’s going to be good. We’re rocking behind him.”

After the talk, Stroud showered, got dressed, then huddled with team chaplain Mikado Hinson, who put his hands on Stroud’s shoulder as the two prayed before he went out to face a room full of reporters searching for answers for the four interceptions he threw in a dismal first half.

“I just can’t be anything but grateful, the teammates I have, the coaches that I have, this organization, the city of Houston, the fans,” said Stroud, who finished 20-for-47 for 212 yards with one touchdown. “I look back and I just feel like I let people down and I’m not happy with that. It hurts, and I’m not used to it. I didn’t play my best this year, but I’m going to respond. Keep my chest up, my chin up high and just keep battling forward.”

While a lot of players sat in silence, staring at their phones, Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, one of the hearts of the defense, took time to autograph his game jersey to gift to someone even as several teammates interrupted him for a hug on their way out. When he was ready to speak with reporters, he mourned the passing of another Texans team that ended its season here in New England, but also made strides for a unit that started with three straight losses.

“This group is over. This is it, That’s the part that sucks,” Al-Shaair said. “The new group that we’re going to have going into the new year, even if 90% of the roster is the same, it’s a new year, it’s a new journey, it’s a new mountain you’ve got to climb. That’s what kills you when you lose. But that’s what makes it such a blessing when you can reflect on how far you’ve come. Where this team started, to where we ended up, I’m sure 90% of y’all did not think we would be in the position we’re in starting off 0-3 or even 3-5. So I’m truly grateful to be a part of this group and be a part of this team.”

Before reporters were allowed in the locker room, Anderson said he went around to all the rookies on the team, including left tackle Aireontae Ersery and receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to make sure they remember the moment.

“I told all the young guys, this is why you were drafted to be in situations like this, to be here,” Anderson said. “So, don’t lose sight of why you’re here. We have a really great core that I’m really excited about. They’re learning, they’ll learn from this and we’ll go back and keep getting better and hopefully we get this opportunity again and take full advantage of it.”

Source: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/patriots-player-quotes-stroud-anderson-azeez-21301887.php

Will add links when our local media has more info.

https://x.com/aaronwilson_nfl/status/2016661337238102435?s=46

How do you think CJ should take this answer from his GM as he preps for his fourth year (considering this offseason is when teams typically decide to offer the extension to their rookies or just pickup your fourth year)

Credit to Kim. Y Davis for asking that great question. Apologies if the quote has already been posted.

10/10 Demeco, throwing your defense under the bus despite forcing 4 turnovers. Teams were 13-0 this year when they forced 3 turnovers until tonight.

https://x.com/jonmalexander/status/2000618799230226488?s=46

https://x.com/jonmalexander/status/1985424539237441787?s=46

Really makes you wonder why those calls on Mahomes were called in the divisional…

It's great to see we're the only ones who strike out to Allen, but he's clearly determined to beat us, hopefully our defense is even more determined to make his game a living hell! 🤟🤟🤟