How Houston Texans just made emphatic statement in historic playoff thrashing over Browns

TEXANS ON TAP

Rookie C.J. Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game after throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns, and the Houston Texans returned two interceptions by Joe Flacco for scores in a 45-14 rout of the Cleveland Browns in a wild-card matchup Saturday.

Stroud, the second overall pick in the draft last April, is also the highest-drafted rookie QB to win in the postseason. He picked apart Cleveland’s vaunted defense, throwing touchdown passes of 15, 76 and 37 yards

At 22 years and 102 days old, he passed Michael Vick, who was 22 years, 192 days old in 2002 when his Falcons beat the Packers.

Stroud threw for 236 yards and three touchdowns before halftime as the Texans built a 24-14 lead. The defense took over after that, with Steven Nelson and Christian Harris returning interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive drives in the third quarter to extend the lead to 38-14.

With the Texans up 45-14 with nine minutes to go, Stroud’s work was done, and he was replaced by Davis Mills.

Back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, Stroud’s stellar play and the leadership of first-year coach DeMeco Ryans transformed the Texans (11-7) from NFL laughingstock to AFC South champions.

Flacco, who turns 39 in three days, came off the couch to go 4-1 as a starter to end the regular season and lead the Browns (11-7) to just their third playoff appearance since their 1999 expansion rebirth, but second in four seasons under coach Kevin Stefanski.

Playing in his 17th postseason game but first in nine years, Flacco couldn’t continue his magical run under the bright lights of the playoffs.

Be sure to watch the video above as we react to the Texans' huge win!

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Adding Brendan Rodgers is a low risk move that could provide solid upside. Photo via: Wiki Commons.

The Houston Astros have bolstered their infield by reportedly signing former Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers.

The move adds both defensive stability and offensive upside to a team looking to maintain its dominance in the AL West.

Rodgers, a former first-round pick, spent the past six seasons with the Rockies, where he showcased his defensive prowess and developing bat. Known for his smooth glove work, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 and has been a steady presence at second base. Offensively, Rodgers has shown flashes of power and consistency, though injuries have occasionally slowed his progress.

Should he make the team, Rodgers is expected to slot into the infield mix, potentially taking over as the everyday second baseman or serving as a key utility option. His arrival makes the possibility of Jose Altuve playing a significant amount of time in left field seem more likely.

It also frees up Mauricio Dubon to remain in a utility role and not regularly penciled in at second base when Altuve starts in left.

Rodgers posted a .267 batting average over 135 games last season. He recorded a .314 on-base percentage, while slugging .407, with an OPS of .721. He also blasted 13 dingers in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.

You can watch his 2024 highlights below.


*ChatGPT assisted with this content.


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