C.J. Stroud turnovers today: Texans QB's interception troubles in playoffs continue against Patriots

David Suggs

•
C.J. Stroud turnovers today: Texans QB's interception troubles in playoffs continue against Patriots image

C.J. Stroud endured a disappointing performance when the Texans bested the Steelers in the wild-card round. He put forth an even worst showing against the Patriots in the first half of AFC divisional round, falling victim to wicked weather, inefficient passing and myriad interceptions.

Once seen as one of the league's future standouts, Stroud has seen his stock fall following a pair of underwhelming campaigns. The Texans have found success despite his inconsistent outings, punching a ticket to the playoffs in each of Stroud's three seasons in town.

His recent performances will leave some doubt over his ability to lead Houston beyond the first two rounds of the playoffs, though.

Here's what you need to know about Stroud's forgettable display vs. New England.

MORE: How New England weather has played a factor in Texans-Patriots

C.J. Stroud turnovers today vs. Patriots

  • Interceptions:  4
  • Fumbles:  0

Stroud's performance against New England was specked in warts. The Ohio State talent tossed three interceptions in the first half, two of which could be classified as mistakes.

The first giveaway took shape in the first quarter's final moments. Stroud missed his mark while attempting to find Christian Kirk, sailing his toss five yards above his pass-catcher. His throw instead found the waiting grasp of New England cornerback Carlton Davis III, who stretched far to collect the unruly toss.

To the naked eye, Davis' grab was illicit. However, replay review revealed that he had got his foot and knee onto the sidelines before falling out of bounds.

Stroud's second interception was similarly eye-catching. He attempted to fend off an on-rushing pass-rusher only to weakly flick the ball skyward after being collected by the blitz. The tumbling ball was scooped up by Marcus Jones, who ran into the end zone for the pick-six. It was the first pick-six of Stroud's career.

Three was the magic number for Stroud, whose toils continued later in the second quarter. He attempted to find Xavier Hutchinson across the middle of the field. But Hutchinson was unable to reel in the toss. The ball bounced off his hands, landing in Craig Woodson's waiting grasp.

Then came a fourth. Stroud found Davis for the second time in as many quarters just as the second half came to a close.

With his showcase on Sunday afternoon, Stroud made a rancid bit of history, becoming one of four hurlers to record four interceptions in a single half. Only Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars were able to capture a win following such a display, famously besting the Chargers with a historic comeback in 2022.

C.J. Stroud playoff turnovers

His rookie season notwithstanding, Stroud has struggled to keep hold of the ball in his budding career. No place is that more apparent than in the postseason. He has five fumbles and five interceptions in the 2026 postseason. For his career, he's up to seven postseason interceptions compared to six touchdowns.

Content Producer

Staff Writer