Behind a dominant defensive effort, an absolute disaster from C.J. Stroud and two Drake Maye touchdown passes, the New England Patriots lead the Houston Texans 21-10.
Stroud has four interceptions, which is tied for most in a single half in any postseason game in the last 35 years. That includes a pick six to Marcus Jones. The Texans’ terrific defense has helped limit the damage, but it can only do so much given Stroud’s struggles.
After the teams exchanged punts, the hosts went 66 yards across six plays, with Maye threading a perfect pass to DeMario Douglas on fourth-and-1, and Douglas had nothing but green grass in front of him for a 28-yard score.
Stroud missed on his first three passes before connecting on a 42-yarder to Dalton Schultz. Houston ended up settling for a field goal.
Stroud threw his first interception of the game late in the first quarter, with Carlton Davis making an incredible diving catch along the sideline. But the Patriots gave the ball right back just two plays later, with Tommy Togiai punching the ball away from Maye and Azeez Al-Shaair scooping it up. Stroud found Christian Kirk for a touchdown to give Houston a brief lead.
Then the big blow came on Jones’ interception, and Stroud threw another pick on the very next drive, this time the ball going off Xavier Hutchinson’s hands and into Craig Woodson’s.
The Texans’ defense held strong again, but Maye pieced together a scoring drive shortly thereafter, firing two completions to Kayshon Boutte before connecting with Stefon Diggs for a touchdown.
Stroud fired his fourth pick of the day (and second to Davis) on a truly awful throw: late and inside on a perimeter throw. Still, the Texans’ defense stood tall, keeping Houston within striking distance. Whether the Texans stick with Stroud or go to Davis Mills, though, remains to be seen.
