For the Houston Texans, the secret to winning the playoffs was simple. Eliminating C.J. Stroud's mistakes, the explosive Clevelander will be able to shut down the Browns' receivers and make plays.
On Saturday night, the Texans did more than that, defeating the Browns 45-14.
The up-and-coming rookie quarterback threw three touchdown passes, the defense was successful on two pick-sixes by Joe Flacco, and Devin Singletary ended the game with a touchdown run in the third quarter.
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Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud celebrates after a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Stroud also set a record for most passing yards by a rookie in the first half of a playoff game with 236 yards.
He completed 16-of-21 passes for 274 yards and touchdowns to Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan.
Houston opened the game on Cleveland's first drive of the third quarter and led 24-14. The defense got to Flacco and forced him to throw a duck. Steven Nelson took advantage of this, returning the interception 82 yards for a touchdown.
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Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL Wild Card Playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The next drive was much the same for Flacco. He threw an interception to Christian Harris, who returned the ball 36 yards for a touchdown. These defensive plays gave Houston a lead they couldn't overturn.
Devin Singletary added another score on a 19-yard run in the fourth quarter. He finished with 66 yards on the ground. Collins had six catches for 96 yards.
Flacco was fired four times. He managed to throw a touchdown pass to Kareem Hunt. David Njoku had seven catches for 93 yards.
Houston earned its first playoff win since the 2019 season, when Deshaun Watson defeated Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game. The Texans had not appeared in the playoffs since then.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco reacts after throwing back-to-back pick-sixes against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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The Texans won the division with a 10-7 record during the regular season.
