When the Cleveland Browns blew out the Houston Texans in Week 16, Case Keenum was the beginning quarterback rather than the injured rookie star C.J. Stroud. The intrigue surrounding the NFL Wild Card rematch was how Stroud would fare in opposition to one of many league’s finest defenses.
He was practically excellent.
In an electrifying efficiency, Stroud completed 16-of-21 for 274 yards, three touchdowns, zero sacks taken, zero turnovers, and a 98.4 QBR (the best in a playoff recreation since Josh Allen in 2021) in a 45-14 Texans romp. A Browns protection that had allowed the fewest passing yards within the NFL was shredded by the doubtless Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. He tied the playoff file for many landing passes in a recreation by a rookie quarterback, and is now the youngest quarterback to win an NFL playoff recreation.
Mockingly, the one manner Stroud may actually be stopped was by his personal protection. Whereas Joe Flacco’s two interceptions for touchdowns within the third quarter elevated Houston’s lead from 24-14 to 38-14, it additionally meant that Stroud was off the sector for precisely 10 minutes of recreation time. Stroud solely threw 5 passes within the second half and was changed by Davis Mills with 9 minutes remaining. Houston’s offense solely performed 44 snaps (38 with Stroud within the recreation) and scored 31 factors.
The Browns protection got here into this weekend tied for the fewest explosive performs (20+ yards) allowed, whereas the Texans have been 4th at producing explosive passes. Benefit Stroud, who accomplished 5 explosive passes (all within the 1st half). He ought to’ve had seven if not for a gap possession drop by tight finish Dalton Schultz, in addition to a second quarter overthrown would-be landing to his star receiver Nico Collins.
Stroud related with Collins early and sometimes, hanging within the pocket and making robust throws below stress. He was 7-for-8 for 118 yards when pressured, whereas Collins made 5 of his six catches in opposition to Cleveland’s man protection.
Texans rookie CJ Stroud exhibiting off his potential to throw with anticipation on this primary all the way down to Nico Collins.
The No. 2 pick of Ohio State has been a top-10 QB within the NFL this season. pic.twitter.com/d3D9VdChzD
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) January 13, 2024
In the meantime, Schultz atoned for his drop simply earlier than halftime by getting behind the Cleveland secondary on 2nd and 20 for a 37-yard landing.
The No. 2 total choose has been sensational all season, such that the qualifier “for a rookie” isn’t essential. After his glowing efficiency in opposition to Cleveland, it feels inevitable that Stroud will grow to be the primary Texans QB with a number of postseason wins. It’s not inconceivable that it may occur as quickly as subsequent week within the AFC Divisional Spherical.