C.J. Stroud only threw eight interceptions during the regular season, and he managed to toss half of that number in one nightmare of a half Sunday during the Texans’ divisional round game against the Patriots.
Stroud finished the opening 30 minutes 10-of-26 for 124 yards and one touchdown, but the four interceptions — including one that was returned for a touchdown by Marcus Jones — allowed the Patriots to build a 21-10 halftime lead at Gillette Stadium.
His first interception occurred on the Texans’ third drive of the game, with Carlton Davis collecting a pass after Houston reached the New England 36-yard line.
Then, after Stroud connected with Christian Kirk to give the Texans a 10-7 lead, Jones stepped in front of a pass and raced 26 yards for a touchdown.
Craig Woodson intercepted Stroud on the next drive, and then Davis recorded his second interception of the half just after the two-minute warning.
Stroud threw for 250 yards, a touchdown and an interception during Houston’s convincing win over the Steelers in the wild-card round on Monday night, but after his debacle of a half, their bid for a spot in the AFC Championship — and a showdown with the Broncos next weekend — is in jeopardy.