C.J. Stroud turnovers: Steelers defense pressures Texans QB into two fumbles, one interception in NFL playoff game

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud typically protects the ball well, but he had trouble doing that against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stroud had a rough start to the night on the road, turning the ball over three times against the Steelers' defense. Each turnover came on a different part of the field and came on a different kind of play, but they were all brutal nonetheless.

Luckily for Stroud, the Steelers' offense also found moving the ball tough against the Texans, creating a low-scoring affair. However, Stroud's turnovers may be the reason why the Texans aren't up by double-digits.

Here's a look at Stroud's three turnovers against Pittsburgh.

MORE: Live updates, highlights from Steelers vs. Texans

C.J. Stroud turnovers

Flea-flicker fumble

Stroud's first turnover of the night came on a trick play, as the Texans attempted to get creative in the first quarter with a flea flicker. However, the Steelers blew up the flea flicker, as Jack Sawyer forced the fumble, preventing Stroud from finding a wide receiver deep.

The Steelers wouldn't be able to take advantage, however, as they would punt on the ensuing drive.

MORE: Steelers offense continues to struggle in the first quarter

Sack-fumble

Stroud typically doesn't fumble the ball, but he did it twice in the first half. The second fumble was a more traditional sack-fumble, as Stroud dropped the snap first then fumbled the ball as he was hit while trying to throw it away.

Pittsburgh took over in Texans' territory, but Houston held the Steelers to just three points on the next drive.

Interception

While Stroud's fumbles were certainly costly, his interception was the biggest mistake of the night. On 3rd-and-5 while already in the red zone, Stroud tried to force a ball for the first down, but instead was picked by Brandin Echols, costing Houston at least a field-goal attempt.

Once again, the Steelers were unable to take advantage, although they started the next drive at their own six-yard line after this turnover.