Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
The Browns defense had no answers for the electrifying rookie quarterback.
When the Cleveland Browns blew out the Houston Texans in Week 16, Case Keenum was the starting quarterback in place of the injured rookie star C.J. Stroud. The intrigue surrounding the NFL Wild Card rematch was how Stroud would fare against one of the league’s best defenses.
He was nearly perfect.
In an electrifying performance, Stroud finished 16-of-21 for 274 yards, three touchdowns, zero sacks taken, zero turnovers, and a 98.4 QBR (the highest in a playoff game since Josh Allen in 2021) in a 45-14 Texans romp. A Browns defense that had allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL was shredded by the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year. He tied the playoff record for most touchdown passes in a game by a rookie quarterback, and is now the youngest quarterback to win an NFL playoff game.
Ironically, the only way Stroud could really be stopped was by his own defense. While Joe Flacco’s two interceptions for touchdowns in the third quarter increased Houston’s lead from 24-14 to 38-14, it also meant that Stroud was off the field for exactly 10 minutes of game time. Stroud only threw five passes in the second half and was replaced by Davis Mills with nine minutes remaining. Houston’s offense only played 44 snaps (38 with Stroud in the game) and scored 31 points.
The Browns defense came into this weekend tied for the fewest explosive plays (20+ yards) allowed, whereas the Texans were 4th at generating explosive passes. Advantage Stroud, who completed five explosive passes (all in the 1st half). He should’ve had seven if not for an opening possession drop by tight end Dalton Schultz, as well as a second quarter overthrown would-be touchdown to his star receiver Nico Collins.
Stroud connected with Collins early and often, hanging in the pocket and making tough throws under pressure. He was 7-for-8 for 118 yards when pressured, while Collins made five of his six catches against Cleveland’s man coverage.
Texans rookie CJ Stroud showing off his ability to throw with anticipation on this first down to Nico Collins.
The No. 2 pick out of Ohio State has been a top-10 QB in the NFL this season. pic.twitter.com/d3D9VdChzD
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) January 13, 2024
Meanwhile, Schultz atoned for his drop just before halftime by getting behind the Cleveland secondary on 2nd and 20 for a 37-yard touchdown.
The No. 2 overall pick has been sensational all season, such that the qualifier “for a rookie” isn’t necessary. After his sparkling performance against Cleveland, it feels inevitable that Stroud will become the first Texans QB with multiple postseason wins. It’s not inconceivable that it could happen as soon as next week in the AFC Divisional Round.
