HOUSTON -- C.J. Stroud declined to address comments former Houston Texans great Andre Johnson made earlier this week questioning the quarterback's body language.
Johnson, the Hall of Fame wideout, was asked on the "LGND Talk" podcast by host Kendrick Perkins about what he disliked about Stroud.
"With him, and this is just me personally, what I dislike about C.J. is his body language," Johnson said. "His body language is bad."
The comment -- given it came from a Texans great -- caught people's attention. Stroud, though, took the high road when asked about it Wednesday.
"I respect Dre as a person, I appreciate his critiques," Stroud said. "But I'm focused on this week, going 1-0 this week [against the Bengals]. I respect Dre, and if that conversation needs to be had, it'll be had."
In the past, Stroud has mentioned that he wants to work on his body language. On occasions, when adversity strikes within a game, he has appeared mopey.
Johnson, in his podcast comments, said he worries that poor body language by a QB can affect a team.
"I think, as a former player, your quarterback having that type of body language is bad," Johnson said. "Because other guys look at you as the quarterback. So, when they see you feeling a certain way, it kind of trickles through the team."
Coach DeMeco Ryans, who played with Johnson in Houston from 2005 to 2011, said he wasn't aware of the former wideout's comments.
All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson, meanwhile, heard them and vigorously defended Stroud.
"I think C.J.'s been doing a phenomenal job since his rookie year to now with great body language," Anderson said. "He's getting guys going, leading that group of guys over there and having enthusiasm and having fun on the sideline. If something doesn't go right, I think he does a good job of bringing everybody back together and centering everybody. We can't really focus on that. Cincinnati's up right now."
Stroud had 287 yards passing and two touchdowns in Houston's 36-31 season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He also lost two fumbles, one to open the game and one on the final possession, sealing the Bills' victory.
