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The Houston Texans found it tough sledding against the New England Patriots in their 28-16 loss in the divisional round.
A large part of what they found tough was C.J. Stroud's four first-half interceptions.
It was a tough watch for fans as Stroud couldn't stop turning the ball over; in truth, neither could New England, but on the road, in a playoff game, you can't be doing that.
In the second half, Stroud was far better at protecting the football, but what was DeMeco Ryan's message to his young quarterback after maybe the worst half of football he's ever played in the NFL?
“Keep your head up, I love you," Ryans said via NFL Network's Jane Slater.
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Stroud's INT-filled half doomed Texans
Stroud gave the ball back far too often, and the Patriots made them pay.
Yes, the score only reads 28-16, but Stroud's turnovers played a huge role in the loss and put his defense in tough spots time and time again.
In truth, Houston's defense didn't play that poorly; they were just on short fields far too often.
To his credit, C.J. did play slightly better in the second half, but it was too little, too late, as the Patriots flexed their muscles to advance to the AFC Championship game.
Stroud was on a history-making pace with his interceptions, with six being the most in a playoff game all-time, but thankfully, he didn't add to his four against New England.
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