2WAW3XX Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) prepares to throw a pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans locked up a 2023 playoff spot with a dramatic 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night.
Offensive spotlight: The C.J. Stroud–Nico Collins connection dominated this game. Collins caught all nine of his targets for 195 yards, one touchdown and five first downs, with four of his catches going for at least 15 yards. He forced three missed tackles with the ball in his hands and recorded 77 yards after the catch in what was another stellar performance from the third-year wideout.
Defensive spotlight: Colts linebacker E.J. Speed was all over the field on Saturday night. Speed recorded four defensive stops on 24 run-defense snaps and added another three defensive stops across 29 coverage snaps.
Rookie spotlight: Stroud deserves credit for his performance in what was, for all intents and purposes, his first NFL playoff game. The rookie passer finished 20-of-26 for 264 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He took care of the ball, finishing the game with zero turnover-worthy plays on first review, and he made crucial plays when his team needed him to step up.
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