The Houston Texans made a statement in their first playoff game of their 2024 run. They defeated the Cleveland Browns in blowout fashion. Houston was led by rookie C.J. Stroud, and he broke multiple playoff records along the way.
C.J. Stroud Breaks Franchise Playoff Record
It only took one half in Stroud’s first playoff game to surpass a franchise record. Prior to today, no Houston Texans QB had ever thrown three touchdown passes in one game. Stroud did not even need one half to accomplish something that Houston quarterbacks failed to do in 10 previous playoff games.
Youngest QB to Win a Playoff Game
Michael Vick held the record for youngest QB to win a playoff game in the Super Bowl era. Vick was 22 years and 192 days old. Now, Stroud broke that record by 90 days. He is 22 years and 102 days old.
C.J. Stroud Matches Rookie Playoff Record
That first half mentioned above put Stroud in the conversation to break a rookie playoff record. No rookie QB in NFL history had ever thrown four touchdown passes in one playoff game. After the first half, it looked like Stroud had a real chance to do it.
However, the Texans had a 45-14 lead by the fourth quarter thanks to two pick sixes by Browns QB Joe Flacco. As a result, Stroud was benched in favor of backup QB Davis Mills. Stroud will have to settle for matching the league record here.
Houston Texans Moving Forward
The Houston Texans now look to keep their momentum going in the divisional round. So, who will they face? That remains to be seen. Whoever ends up playing the Texans better be ready for this rookie phenom.
Get More NFL Content
For more news and trends around the NFL, click here or follow me on Twitter @JohnGalletley.