C.J. Stroud is flourishing under his new team’s tutelage. On Saturday against the Browns he completed 16 out of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, truly showing his potential as an MVP-caliber quarterback.
Spectrum News 1 got to know 22-year-old rookie quarterback Josh Rosen better through his performance and beyond.
Stroud tied a rookie playoff record
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had already demonstrated in his regular season performance an Offensive Rookie of the Year-caliber performance, and made good on this with his playoff debut against Cleveland: breaking through their defense to lead Houston to an easy win!
C.J set a record for most passing yards by a rookie in a playoff game with 236 and three scores during the first half, setting an attendance record. He may have even eclipsed that number had he not overthrown wide receiver Nico Collins on what would have been an 86-yard touchdown reception attempt.
Stroud also set a record for most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback in a playoff game with his three touchdown passes, joining Brock Purdy (2023), Dak Prescott (2017), and Sammy Baugh (1937 as only other rookie quarterbacks who managed such feat.
Stroud threw for 274 yards
C.J exhibited poise and confidence during his playoff debut as a rookie quarterback, throwing for 274 yards including three touchdowns without an interception from an opposing pass defense that only allowed 164.7 yards per game.
He threw for two touchdowns in the first half, including a 76-yard score to Brevin Jordan and 37 yards to Dalton Schultz. He could have had even bigger plays but misfired on an open shot at Nico Collins during the second quarter.
Stroud made his case for NFL Rookie of the Year honors during Houston Texans’ 45-14 win over Cleveland Browns and will advance to face Kansas City Chiefs in divisional round play. Joe Flacco could not halt Houston’s victory by throwing two second-half pick sixes that helped them prevail over Joe Flacco’s Browns team.
Stroud threw three touchdowns
Stroud kept his team’s hopes for a wild-card berth alive with a performance that could alter rookie history. He threw 15-yard touchdown passes to Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan while finding tight windows in coverage and under pressure to find them all with precision.
He wasn’t sacked and kept the Browns off balance with quick strikes. On the second play of the first half, he threw a short pass to Jordan who cut inside before sprinting unimpeded for 76 yards untouched – it was second longest touchdown pass ever for tight end in NFL playoff history! Brock joined Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott and Sammy Baugh as being players who have all achieved three TD passes in their postseason debuts.
Stroud threw two interceptions
Stroud has completed over 200 passes without throwing an interception during his rookie campaign – evidence of how skilled and mature this two-time Heisman Trophy finalist is.
The Texans’ defense created havoc for the Browns, returning two interceptions by Joe Flacco for touchdowns to turn an otherwise competitive match into a blowout by third quarter’s end.
Stroud had an opportunity to write more history with his team in the fourth quarter, but was intercepted by Jalen Mills. Watch the play closely and note how Stroud set himself up to be defeated when looking at safetyman first then reading coverage afterwards – leaving Jalen Mills to step in front of Tank Dell and pick off Stroud’s pass – further showing why Slowik trusts Stroud can lead the franchise into its next era.
Stroud threw a 76-yard touchdown pass
The Browns entered this game as favorites due to their outstanding pass defense, but Stroud unleashed rockets for Texas that led to big plays on offense and gained yards quickly.
Stroud then connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass to wideout Nico Collins, followed by 76-yard score to Brevin Jordan at tight end, then finally 37 yard scoring pass to Dalton Schultz to give Houston a 24-14 halftime advantage.
C.J joined Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott and Sammy Baugh as one of only four rookie quarterbacks ever in NFL playoff history to throw three touchdown passes during their playoff debut. Additionally, Stroud tied the record for most passing yards by a rookie rookie (236) as 11 out of 16 passes were completed during that first-half.
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