In a disappointing first half during the Houston Texans’ playoff game against the New England Patriots on January 14, 2024, quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions, significantly impacting his team’s performance. Stroud completed just 10 of 26 passes for 124 yards, which included one touchdown. As a result, the Texans found themselves trailing 21-10 at halftime.
Stroud’s struggles began after he initially put Houston on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass that gave the Texans a brief 10-7 lead. Unfortunately, he followed this with three interceptions, each contributing to the Texans’ deficit. This performance ties him with eight other quarterbacks for the most interceptions in a single playoff game half since Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions in a playoff game in 2008.
According to FOX Sports Research, this marked only the second occurrence since 1991 of a quarterback tossing four interceptions in a playoff half, the last being Trevor Lawrence in January 2023. The Texans found themselves in an even tougher spot later in the game when running back Woody Marks fumbled for the team’s fifth turnover.
The most critical of Stroud’s interceptions came when he attempted to pass under pressure from Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. The pass, intended for wide receiver Christian Kirk, was intercepted by cornerback Marcus Jones, who returned it for a 26-yard touchdown, extending New England’s lead to 14-10.
Stroud’s third interception occurred when a pass intended for receiver Xavier Hutchinson bounced off Hutchinson’s hands and into the possession of Patriots safety Craig Woodson. The fourth interception, arguably the most damaging, occurred as the Texans approached the Patriots’ territory, with Stroud again targeting Hutchinson. This time, the pass was intercepted by Carlton Davis.
Despite the dismal first half, the Texans did not bench Stroud at halftime. He remained in the game and led a drive resulting in a field goal that narrowed the Patriots’ lead to 21-13. However, this drive came with its own challenges. An initial fumble ruling on Hutchinson was overturned after a replay, and Stroud nearly added a fifth interception when another pass intended for Kirk was almost caught by Jones.
Stroud’s performance, particularly in the first half, underscores the challenges he faced under playoff pressure. As the Texans aim for their first-ever AFC title game, they will need to address these issues if they hope to advance further in the postseason.
