This week, C.J. Stroud addressed the media about preparing for Detroit’s defense and finishing games with stronger performances.
BOn Detroit’s defensive strengths:
C.J.: There are two really skilled players—[Lions S] B[rian] Branch, whom I played with in high school and at the All-American Bowl, and he’s always been a great playmaker. He’s got an instinct for finding the ball, just like [Lions S] [Brandon] Joseph. We need to be ready and bring our best game.
On improving late-game performance:
C.J.: I’ve learned that the other team makes plays too, and it’s about responding and withstanding that push. Playing away, it feels like we lack energy in the second half without the crowd’s support.
I think we need to keep the energy up, keep the vibe strong. On the sideline, we should be more pumped, with everyone cheering and celebrating. That’s something we can improve—better celebrations.
Other teams do it, like when [Jets WR] Garrett [Wilson] scored, and everyone on their sideline was up and celebrating. We need to feel that energy too. When our defense makes a big stop, we need to be hyped up, showing that we’re balling out. It has to work both ways, and I really believe that can boost our energy.
