C.J. Stroud turnovers: How Steelers failed to take advantage of Texans QB's ball security struggles

Daniel Chavkin

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C.J. Stroud turnovers: How Steelers failed to take advantage of Texans QB's ball security struggles image

In the playoffs, turnovers are a premium, as it is crucial for teams to take advantage when they get takeaways. For the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Houston Texans, though, their inability to score off turnovers was a big difference in the game.

The Texans beat the Steelers 30-6, but much of the game was a close, defenseive battle. Texans QB C.J. Stroud had a rough start to the night on the road, turning the ball over three times against the Steelers' defense.

Luckily for Stroud, the Steelers' offense also found moving the ball tough against the Texans, creating a low-scoring affair. In fact, the Steelers only scored three points off turnovers in the game, keeping Houston in the lead for most of the night.

Here's a look at Stroud's three turnovers against Pittsburgh.

MORE: Live updates, highlights from Steelers vs. Texans

C.J. Stroud turnovers

Flea-flicker fumble

Stroud's first turnover of the night came on a trick play, as the Texans attempted to get creative in the first quarter with a flea flicker. However, the Steelers blew up the flea flicker, as Jack Sawyer forced the fumble, preventing Stroud from finding a wide receiver deep.

The Steelers wouldn't be able to take advantage, however, as they would punt on the ensuing drive. While Pittsburgh started the drive on their own 44, the offense went three-and-out.

MORE: Steelers offense continues to struggle in the first quarter

Sack-fumble

Stroud typically doesn't fumble the ball, but he did it twice in the first half. The second fumble was a more traditional sack-fumble, as Stroud dropped the snap first then fumbled the ball as he was hit while trying to throw it away.

Pittsburgh took over in Texans' territory, as they were already on the edge of the red zone and just 23 yards away from a touchdown. Houston was able to hold the Steelers to just three points on the drive, though, as eight Steelers plays led to just four yards.

Interception

While Stroud's fumbles were certainly costly, his interception was the biggest mistake of the night. On 3rd-and-5 while already in the red zone, Stroud tried to force a ball for the first down, but instead was picked by Brandin Echols, costing Houston at least a field-goal attempt.

Once again, the Steelers were unable to take advantage, although they started the next drive at their own six-yard line after this turnover. Pittsburgh was able to gain 23 yards on the drive, but it was nowhere near enough to score points.

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