C.J. Stroud experienced a challenging first half during the Houston Texans” playoff game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The third-year quarterback threw four interceptions in the opening 30 minutes, completing 10 of 26 passes for 124 yards and one touchdown. These turnovers placed the Texans in a 21-10 deficit at halftime, with three of the interceptions occurring after Stroud had thrown a touchdown pass that briefly gave Houston a 10-7 lead in the second quarter.
Stroud”s performance matched a notable playoff record, tying him with eight other quarterbacks for the most interceptions thrown in a playoff game since Jake Delhomme of the Carolina Panthers had five in 2008. Delhomme”s team ultimately lost to the Arizona Cardinals 33-13 in that matchup. According to FOX Sports Research, this marked only the second occurrence since 1991 of a quarterback throwing four interceptions in a single playoff half, with Trevor Lawrence being the last to do so in January 2023.
The Texans” issues were compounded by a critical moment in the third quarter when running back Woody Marks fumbled, resulting in the Texans” fifth turnover and the game”s eighth overall. While Brett Favre holds the record for the most interceptions in a single NFL playoff game, having thrown six during a 2001 loss, Stroud”s first half was still a significant disappointment.
Notably, Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis secured two of Stroud”s interceptions, including a crucial first pick on a pass that sailed over the intended receiver, Christian Kirk. However, the most significant interception came during a sequence where Stroud was pressured by Patriots edge rusher K”Lavon Chaisson. Stroud”s errant pass was easily intercepted by Marcus Jones and returned for a 26-yard touchdown, shifting the momentum to New England with a 14-10 lead.
Stroud”s third interception occurred on a pass aimed at Xavier Hutchinson, which the receiver failed to secure, allowing Patriot safety Craig Woodson to make the catch. The fourth interception was arguably the most detrimental, as Stroud”s pass intended for Hutchinson ended up in the hands of Davis at the Texans” 48-yard line as the team was approaching a critical score.
Despite the rough first half, the Texans chose not to bench Stroud after halftime. He managed to lead the team on a field goal drive that narrowed the Patriots” lead to 21-13, although the drive included a close call when Hutchinson”s reception was initially ruled a fumble before being overturned on review. Stroud also faced another near interception during this drive when he rolled out on a third-and-2 play, but the pass fell incomplete after a deflection from Jones.
