UPDATE: In a shocking playoff performance, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half against the New England Patriots during their divisional round matchup on January 14, 2024. Stroud’s dismal performance left the Texans trailing 21-10 at halftime, raising urgent concerns about his ability to lead the team in critical moments.
Stroud completed just 10 of 26 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, with his four interceptions tying him for the most thrown in a playoff game since Jake Delhomme in 2008. This disastrous first half is only the second occurrence since 1991 where a quarterback has thrown four interceptions in a playoff half, the last being Trevor Lawrence in January 2023.
The Texans initially took a brief lead at 10-7 in the second quarter before Stroud’s mistakes shifted the momentum. His first interception, thrown to Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis, came after a touchdown pass, marking a pivotal moment in the game. The situation worsened when Stroud threw an errant pass while being pressured by Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, leading to a 26-yard pick-six by Marcus Jones that flipped the score to 14-10.
Stroud’s performance not only shattered personal playoff records but also placed him among notable names in NFL history for the wrong reasons. Brett Favre holds the record for the most interceptions thrown by a quarterback in a playoff game, with six during a 2001 loss.
As the Texans embarked on their second half, Stroud was not benched, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. He managed to guide the Texans to a field goal, narrowing the deficit to 21-13, but the road ahead remains uncertain. On a critical drive, Stroud faced near disaster again, almost throwing a fifth interception that could have sealed the game for the Patriots.
This performance underscores the high stakes of playoff football and the pressure young quarterbacks face on the biggest stages. The Texans, aiming for their first-ever AFC title game berth, will need to rally around Stroud and address these critical errors if they hope to turn the tide in the second half.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Texans attempt to recover from this early playoff catastrophe.
