Texans Rout Browns in Wild Card Victory
Stroud Becomes Youngest QB to Win a Playoff Game
Texans Stomp Browns 45-14
HOUSTON, Texas -- CJ Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game as the Houston Texans routed the Cleveland Browns 45-14 in the Super Wild Card Weekend.
Stroud's pinpoint passing and big plays from the Texans defense allowed Houston to make short work of the Browns at NRG Stadium.
The Texans jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back. Stroud threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks in the first quarter, and Dameon Pierce ran for a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The Texans defense also forced two turnovers in the first half, giving Houston a 21-0 halftime lead.
The Browns offense finally got on the board in the third quarter, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by Kareem Hunt. But the Texans responded with two more touchdowns in the third quarter, a 25-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Nico Collins and a 2-yard touchdown run by Rex Burkhead. Demetris Robertson iced the game with a 66-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, giving the Texans a 45-14 lead.
For the game, Stroud completed 20 of 26 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Pierce rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown, and Cooks led the Texans in receiving with 85 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans defense was also outstanding, forcing three turnovers and sacking Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson three times.
The win was the first playoff victory for the Texans since 2019. The Texans will now advance to the Divisional Round, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.
What We Learned from Texans Blowout Win Over Browns
The Texans' blowout win over the Browns was a statement victory for the young team. Here are three things we learned from the game:
- CJ Stroud is a star. The 21-year-old quarterback looked poised and confident in his first playoff start, completing 20 of 26 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Stroud also showed off his mobility, rushing for 35 yards on four carries.
- The Texans' defense is for real. The Texans' defense was dominant against the Browns, forcing three turnovers and sacking Deshaun Watson three times. The Texans' defense has been one of the most improved units in the NFL this season, and they are a big reason why the team is in the playoffs.
- The Texans are a legitimate contender. The Texans have won eight of their last nine games, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. The Texans' young players are starting to come into their own, and they have a bright future ahead of them.