Houston Texans rookie phenom CJ Stroud's first playoff game was one to remember, especially in the franchise and NFL record books.
As for how Stroud will perform Saturday at home against the Cleveland Browns, the team will be led by veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl champion and multiple playoff champion. Some questioned his ability to be a quarterback.
But Stroud continued to shine throughout the season, setting a Texans franchise record for most touchdowns thrown in a playoff game in the first half.
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Houston Texans player CJ Stroud attempts a pass during warm-ups prior to the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 13, 2024. . (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Stroud completed three touchdown passes, finding Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan, and totaled 260 yards and 24 yards in the first half against one of the best defenses all regular season. They led by 14 points.
The second half featured Flacco throwing back-to-back pick-sixes, but Stroud simply handed the ball to running back Devin Singletary for the kill, allowing Stroud to go 16-of-21 through the air for 274 yards. and finished the match. clock.
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At the final whistle in a 45-14 victory, Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win in the NFL playoffs, beating Michael Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. Stroud was 90 days younger than Vick at the time.
Stroud's three touchdown passes also tied the single-game record for an NFL rookie.
CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans drops to make a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Jan. 13, 2024. (Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
Overall, Stroud continues to have a historic rookie season that garners attention, further cementing the fact that Houston's rebuild has been fast-tracked thanks to his performance under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. I'm making it a thing.
He became the fourth rookie quarterback to win the playoffs in the first round, joining Ben Roethlisberger, Mark Sanchez and Flacco.
Stroud appeared in 15 games with the Texans this season, throwing for 23 touchdowns and 4,108 yards with five interceptions. He set a rookie record for passing yards in a single game with 470 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and tied the team's single-game touchdown record with five.
The Texans' ability to advance to the divisional round may still be in question, and if the No. 2 Buffalo Bills defeat the No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers, the Texans will face the No. 1 Baltimore Ravens.
CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans reacts after the national anthem before the Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns NFL Wild Card Playoff football game at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 13, 2024. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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But even if he hadn't proven it yet during the regular season, Stroud certainly made a big statement in the first game of the playoffs, proving that he and the Texans are not to be taken lightly.
