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Texans’ DeMeco Ryans strongly backs CJ Stroud despite 4-INT half vs. Patriots
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- Texans’ DeMeco Ryans strongly backs CJ Stroud despite 4-INT half vs. Patriots
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The Houston Texans were losing 21-10 at halftime of the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots . Coming in with a red-hot defense, Houston knew it needed to quell the turnover problems from the Wild Card round . That did not happen. After four interceptions in the first half, CJ Stroud was not benched for Davis Mills , which Texans coach Demeco Ryans explained.
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"This team has his back. The first half is over," Ryans told ESPN, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Stroud threw four picks on nine possessions in the first half, including a pick-six from Marcus Jones . The Texans survived with Mills at quarterback during the season, going 3-0 in his three starts. Even with some great wins from Stroud during the season, Ryans had to consider changing quarterbacks at halftime.
Stroud finished the half 10-26 for 124 yards, one touchdown, and four picks. The Texans did take the lead on that touchdown pass, which went to Christian Kirk , but everything that happened after that interception was disastrous. They picked up 38 yards on five drives after that touchdown.
Mills has thrown one playoff pass. He was 1-1 for six yards in a 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in the 2023 Wild Card Round. But his play in 2025 is a big part of the reason they made the playoffs. Trusting him in this spot would not have been new for this team and coaching staff.
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Stroud has had an up-and-down career in both the regular season and the playoffs. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2023 and winning that Browns game, he appeared to be a star in the making. The 2024 season was not as strong, but he did win a playoff game.
If the Texans move on, there could be a conversation all week about who starts the AFC Championship game. With his fifth-year option decision looming this offseason, could a disastrous second half impact Stroud's future in Houston?
Related: Texans most to blame for brutal Divisional Round loss to Patriots
Related: Fans roast Texans HC DeMeco Ryans for sad surrender punt to end Patriots game
