CJ Stroud's first playoff victory for Texans sets NFL history as rookie continues to thrive

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Houston Texans rookie phenom C.J. Stroud’s first game in the playoffs was one to remember, especially in the franchise and NFL record books. 

There was doubt from some as to how Stroud would perform at home on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, who were led by veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco, a quarterback with a Super Bowl win under his belt and multiple playoff wins.

But Stroud came out firing, as he has all season, and set the Texans franchise record for most touchdowns thrown in a playoff game – in the first half. 

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C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans looks to pass as he warms up prior to an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024, in Houston. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Stroud had three touchdown passes, finding Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan, and a total of 260 yards to pull ahead, 24-14, at the half against one of the best defenses throughout the regular season.

Stroud finished the game with 274 yards on 16-for-21 through the air as the second-half storyline was Flacco throwing back-to-back pick-sixes, which led Stroud to simply hand the ball off to running back Devin Singletary to kill the clock.

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When the final whistle blew in the blowout 45-14 victory, Stroud became the youngest quarterback to ever win an NFL playoff game, beating out the first overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft, Michael Vick. Stroud is 90 days younger than Vick was at the time. 

Stroud’s three touchdown passes also tied the