Texans 45 – Browns 14
Welcome to the playoffs everyone. Your boy PlayActionReal watched his Texans play the Cleveland Browns for the second time this season. Today was a different story with Stroud playing after being out due to a concussion the first time these teams meet.
CJ looked like a veteran today. The first quarter was a back and forth game. The Texans confused the great Cleveland defense with a little misdirection. Stroud and his offense went with screen passes, reverse plays, and end arounds, to draw attention away from the Browns strengths.
![Texans](https://www.bleacherbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot_20240113-1732122.png?x68501)
With the Texans 4th play off the day, CJ threw a screen pass to Brevin Jordan and he sold the play so well, that he ran for a 76 yard touchdown.
The Texans had another chance to score before halftime. The offense was backed up due to a holding penalty. Now it’s 2nd and 20 and Stroud hits Dalton Schultz with a perfect 37 yard touchdown pass.
Will Anderson Jr sacked Joe Flacco to send the Browns down 24-14 at the half.
The second half didn’t go well for the Browns. Steven Nelson and Christian Harris had back to back pick sixes. The Browns ended their day going four and out 3 times. Christian Harris was the defensive player of the game. He had his pick six, a sack and two tackles for losses.
![Texans](https://www.bleacherbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot_20240113-1734232.png?x68501)
In the middle of all that, CJ Stroud lead his offense down the field. Devin Singletary ran for a 19 yard touchdown to make it 45 -14.
Rookie C.J. Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game after throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns.
Back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, Stroud’s stellar play and the leadership of first-year coach DeMeco Ryans transformed the Texans (11-7) from NFL laughingstock to AFC South champions.
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