Late C.J. Stroud Heroics Can't Save Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons

Despite late heroics from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans lost in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons

Looking to get back above .500 for the first time since the 2019 season, the Houston Texans were locked in a tight battle all afternoon on Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

And despite some late heroics from their rookie QB C.J. Stroud, in which he led the team down the field for the go-ahead score with just over a minute to play in the game, the Texans fell in agonizing fashion in Atlanta 21-19.

Defensively, outside of an early score from Atlanta, the Texans looked as though they had managed to keep the Falcons' offense relatively in check, particularly in the ground game, where rookie phenom Bijan Robinson has managed just 46 yards on 14 carries.

However, after the late heroics from Stroud, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had a moment of his own, leading Atlanta right back down the field, and putting them into position for a field goal.

C.J. Stroud vs. the Atlanta Falcons / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo was able to knock through that attempt, giving the Falcons the win. 

After being held out of the end zone in the first half, Stroud was productive and clutch in the second half, finishing the game completing 20 of 35 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. 

Dalton Schultz, who was on the receiving end of Stroud's score, was Houston's leading pass catcher, with seven catches for 65 yards.

Unfortunately for Houston, that late production was not enough, as the Falcons came away with the late win, sending the Texans to 2-3.

Following the loss, the Texans will have to wait to get back above .500 for at least three more weeks, as they face the New Orleans Saints on October 15, before heading into their bye week.