Rookie C.J. Stroud for the Houston Texans. Stroud’s stellar performance in the Cleveland Browns’ wild-card playoff victory has moved him up in the rankings relative to other quarterbacks. Notable names on that list are Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. But Stroud and the Texans are understandably focused on the impending postseason games.
With an outstanding first-half performance, Stroud demonstrated his skill in the 45-14 triumph over the Browns. Only nine rookies in NFL history have thrown for more yards and three touchdowns than he did against the Browns’ highly-regarded defense. Being the first rookie quarterback in NFL playoff history to throw three touchdown passes in the first half, Stroud’s performance was remarkable. Interestingly, before halftime, no Texans quarterback had thrown three touchdowns in a postseason game.
Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Texans, guided the team to victory with a well-thought-out game plan that included deception plays that confused the Browns. Brevin Jordan, one of Stroud’s teammates who scored a 76-yard touchdown, and other players were also instrumental in the victory.
Among the many highlights of Stroud’s outstanding performance was a touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz, which showed excellent execution. The Texans’ defense made crucial plays, and Stroud’s effort helped them build a comfortable lead despite the Browns’ early aggressiveness. The 82-yard interception return by cornerback Steven Nelson and the 36-yard pick-six by linebacker Christian Harris were key factors in the Texans’ dominant 21-0 second-half performance.
Stroud’s playing time was restricted by the one-sided nature of the game, despite having the chance to break Russell Wilson’s record of 385 yards passing as a rookie in postseason history. In the end, he gained 274 yards and a remarkable passer rating of 157.2. But the Texans are happy with their commanding victory against a Browns squad that many believe might make it to the Super Bowl.
Stroud anticipates a successful season and a great future for the Texans over the next ten years, with additional playoff chances this season.
