CJ Stroud sets rookie records in playoff win for Houston Texans
CJ Stroud’s time in the NFL Playoffs is off to a roaring start! In fact, the rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans shattered some records in a blowout win over the Cleveland Browns.
In the first half alone, Stroud had 236 yards and 3 passing touchdowns, capping a 24-14 first-half lead over the Browns. That gave Stroud the rookie record for passing yards in the first half of a playoff game and tied the rookie record for most passing touchdowns in a playoff game.
C.J. Stroud has 199 pass yards at the 2-minute warning of the first half of the 2023 Wild Card against the Browns.
The Browns defense allowed 164.7 pass yards per GAME this season. #WeAreTexans #DawgPound @NFLResearch
— Tony Holzman-Escareno (@FrontOfficeNFL) January 13, 2024
Stroud could have pushed those numbers even higher, but the Texans did not need more production from the QB in the second half. The Houston defense delivered a pair of pick-6s in the third quarter as the Texans pulled away for the 45-14 win.
In the end, Stroud finished 16-for-21 passing for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns without a turnover. At 22 years and 102 days old, he becomes the youngest QB in the history of the NFL to win a playoff game.
C.J. Stroud is the youngest QB (22 years, 102 days) in @NFL history to win a playoff game. #WeAreTexans @HoustonTexans
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) January 14, 2024
Now, the Texans will await their matchup for the next round of the playoffs, but Stroud’s star continues to shine brighter and brighter after a fantastic postseason debut.