Texans' CJ Stroud compliments QB Anthony Richardson ahead of Colts showdown

Houston Texans second-year quarterback CJ Stroud is set to face Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. These QBs are expected to lead their teams for many years in the AFC South.

Ahead of Sunday's matchup, Stroud praised Richardson, explaining what he's seen from the former No. 5 overall pick ahead of his second year with the Colts, following a season-ending injury in 2023.

"He's an all-around quarterback, somebody who can make all the throws and also run the ball dynamically and be effective in that area. Watching him in preseason, he looked like he was clicking on all cylinders, processing the game a lot better, just taking what the defenses are giving him."

Then, Stroud went a little more personal and discussed his friendship with Richardson.

"He's definitely a good friend of mine... Somebody who I've gotten to know over the years and definitely has a friendship with," Stroud added.

Both Stroud and Richardson entered the league in the same draft class, with Stroud landing in Houston with the No. 2 overall pick and Richardson being selected at No. 4 by Indianapolis.

While the former Buckeye had a remarkable rookie season, taking the league by storm, playing like a seasoned quarterback and leading his team to the divisional round in the 2023 NFL playoffs, Richardson only played four games before his season was cut short with a shoulder injury.

Stroud threw for 319 completions, 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He was the main reason why the Texans surprised everybody, eliminated the Browns and faced the No.1 seed Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the postseason.

Anthony Richardson discusses goal when facing 'close friend' CJ Stroud

After revealing that he hasn't talked with CJ Stroud this week, Anthony Richardson shared his thoughts on the season Stroud had in 2023 and confirmed that they are good friends.

"You know, it's always good to see him. He was actually one of my close friends at Elite 11 camp at high school, so it felt pretty good just see him ball out. I always tell him he's a dog and he's a go-getter. It's always good to see him, but we're both trying to achieve one thing and that's winning," Richardson told reporters in the locker room.

CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson have the chance to start the season in a good way, as they hope to lead their teams to the top of the AFC South division, which includes Trevor Lawrence's Jaguars and the new-look Titans.