CJ Stroud Struggles as Patriots Punch Ticket to AFC Championship
The Houston Texans’ playoff run came to a screeching halt in Foxborough on Sunday, and the spotlight-fair or not-is squarely on quarterback CJ Stroud. The Texans fell 28-16 to the New England Patriots, who now advance to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. But it wasn’t just a loss-it was a tough day at the office for Stroud, who endured one of the most difficult outings of his young playoff career.
Let’s be clear: Stroud has shown flashes of star potential since entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023. But Sunday wasn’t one of those days.
By the time the fourth quarter was winding down, Stroud had completed just 16 of his 37 pass attempts. He finished with 178 passing yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions-one of which was returned for a back-breaking score by Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones.
It was a performance that left fans stunned, and it extended a troubling postseason trend for Houston. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans and with Stroud at the helm, the Texans have now been bounced in the Divisional Round three years in a row. And for a franchise still chasing its first-ever AFC Championship Game appearance, that sting is starting to linger.
The conditions in Foxborough didn’t help-cold temperatures, snow, and rain created a slick, unforgiving environment. But both teams had to deal with the elements, and the Patriots simply handled it better.
On the other side, rookie quarterback Drake Maye didn’t have a flawless game, but he made the big plays when it counted. Maye threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns, going 16-of-27 through the air. He did toss an interception and fumbled four times-losing two-but his ability to bounce back and lead scoring drives proved crucial.
One of those Maye turnovers actually set up Houston’s first touchdown, but the Texans couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. The offense struggled to find rhythm, and Stroud’s miscues kept derailing any chance at a comeback. His four interceptions matched the total number of passes he’d thrown to the other team all season, a jarring stat that underscores just how off-script this game went for him.
The eight combined turnovers between the two teams marked the most in a playoff game since 2015, when the Cardinals and Panthers matched that total in the NFC Championship. Houston’s Woody Marks also lost a fumble, adding to the Texans’ turnover woes.
For the Patriots, this win marks their first trip to the AFC title game since the 2018 season-the final Super Bowl-winning campaign of the Bill Belichick era. This time, it’s Maye leading the charge, and while the rookie still has some growing to do, he’s now one win away from the Super Bowl.
As for Stroud and the Texans, the questions will only get louder. Is this just a bump in the road for a young quarterback still learning the postseason ropes? Or is there a deeper issue with how this team performs when the stakes are highest?
What’s clear is that Houston has built something promising-but in the NFL, promise only goes so far. Eventually, you’ve got to break through. And for the third straight year, the Texans are heading home before they can take that next step.