C.J. Stroud shines, Texans defense comes up with 2 pick 6s in playoff rout of Browns

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For the Houston Texans, the recipe for a playoff win was simple: No mistakes from C.J. Stroud, lock down the explosive Cleveland Browns receivers and make plays.

The Texans did that and more Saturday night and topped the Browns 45-14.

The upstart rookie quarterback threw three touchdown passes, the defense came up with two pick sixes of Joe Flacco and Devin Singletary put the game away with a touchdown run in the third quarter. 

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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud celebrates after a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston.  (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Stroud also set a record for most passing yards thrown by a rookie in the first half of a playoff game with 236.

He finished 16-for-21 passing for 274 yards and touchdowns to Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan.

Houston had a 24-14 lead when it busted the game open on Cleveland’s first drive of the third quarter. The defense got to Flacco and made him throw a duck. Steven Nelson took advantage and returned the interception 82 yards for a touchdown.

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Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Houston.  (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

It was nearly an identical next drive for Flacco. He threw an interception to Christian Harris, who returned the ball 36 yards for a touchdown. Those