HALFTIME: C.J. Stroud's Three TDs Give Texans Big Lead Over Browns
Everyone knew NRG Stadium would be rocking as the Houston Texans made their long-awaited return to the postseason.
Former Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing started Saturday off with a boom, and it's been carrying over on both sides ever since.
Explosive plays have been the storyline for both teams as the Texans lead 24-14 over the Cleveland Browns at halftime. From highlight grabs to run-and-catches, the two franchises have been delivering blows amid multiple lead changes.
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C.J. Stroud continues to trust his weapons, creating opportunities in the open field. On thrid-and-6 in the first quarter, he found Nico Collins for a gain of 38. The Texans would settle for a 21-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn for a 3-0 lead.
Stroud later connected with John Metchie III for a gain of 27, setting up a 15-yard touchdown pass to Collins in the closing seconds of the first quarter. He later found Brevin Jordan in the flats, who turned upfield for a 76-yard score.
Following the two-minute warning, Stroud evaded the sack and found Dalton Schultz for a 37-yard touchdown, extending Houston's lead to 10. Stroud's three first-half touchdowns tie Sammy Baugh, Brock Purdy, Aaron Brooks and Dak Prescott for the most touchdown passes thrown by a rookie in a playoff game.
Cleveland's explosive offense also led to scoring opportunities. Joe Flacco connected with David Njoku for a gain of 45. Six plays later, Kareem Hunt would punch it in from 1-yard out.
Following Collins' touchdown, Flacco found Harrison Bryant for a gain of 47. Hunt found the end zone again, this time on an 11-yard reception.
Flacco finished 15-of-19 passing for 172 yards and a touchdown. Stroud completed 11 of 16 passes for 236 yards and three scores.
Collins leads Houston with four catches for 86 yards. Njoku leads Cleveland with four catches for 64 yards.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. picked up his first postseason sack in the closing minutes of the first half for a loss of nine yards.
Houston will receive the ball to begin the second half.
