Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

CJ Stroud Hits Unwanted Milestone Amid NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 5:58 PM ET

The Houston Texans came into Sunday's AFC Divisional game against the New England Patriots looking to advance to their first ever AFC title game.

While beating the Pats in Foxborough is already a daunting task as it is, quarterback CJ Stroud had a first half he'd love to forget.

The Texans went into halftime trailing 21-10, but the 11-point deficit doesn't tell the full story of how much the third-year quarterback struggled. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half, causing him to make history in a way he likely would've preferred not to.

As shared by ESPN Insights, Stroud became the fourth quarterback this century to have that many interceptions in a half.

"4 interceptions for the Patriots," wrote ESPN. "C.J. Stroud is the 4th QB this century to throw 4 INT in a playoff half."

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The other notable quarterbacks who are a part of this club are Trevor Lawrence (2022), Brett Favre (2001) and Brad Johnson (2001).

Stroud's tough showing had fans and NFL analysts alike calling for the Texans to bench him at the half, but head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear that he was riding with his guy.

Through the Texans' first two playoff games, Stroud has thrown two touchdowns to five interceptions. If the Texans were to bench him, they'd be turning to Davis Mills, who posted a 3-0 record as the starter earlier this season when Stroud was injured.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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