HOUSTON — The Houston Texans’ offense appears a lot totally different with quarterback C.J. Stroud underneath middle in opposition to the Cleveland Browns than it did when Houston fell to the Browns on Christmas Eve. Stroud confirmed off that when he threw a 15-yard landing cross to receiver Nico Collins to place the Texans up 10-7 early within the second quarter of their AFC wild-card playoff matchup at NRG Stadium.
Within the earlier assembly between the 2 groups, Stroud was sidelined with a concussion and the Browns gained 36-22.
However Stroud made an early impression Saturday. In the direction of the tip of the primary quarter, Stroud moved the Texans’ offense into scoring vary with a 27-yard throw to receiver John Metchie III.
Stroud then capped the drive by executing a flowery play design by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who drew up a pretend toss proper after which turned that right into a tunnel display to the left aspect of the sphere for Collins.
Collins strolled into the tip zone to offer the Texans the lead.
MAKE WAY FOR 12 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ftaPrZ9GH4
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2024
Then, after the Browns went on a seven-play, 75-yard landing drive, Stroud and firm answered rapidly.
Stroud ran a play-action and threw a brief cross to tight finish Brevin Jordan, and Jordan did the remaining on the 76-yard landing reception, recording 72 yards after the catch to place the Texans up 17-14.
9️⃣ SAID BET 🤝 pic.twitter.com/HmPHsMxalW
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2024