C.J. Stroud poses a huge challenge for the Browns defense in the playoff clash against Texas…

January 11, 2024 247football-now Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans 0

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a Wild Card round battle against the Houston Texans, a familiar opponent they faced just 17 days ago. In their previous encounter, the Browns dominated with a 36-7 lead, but this time, the Texans present a different challenge with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud at the helm. Stroud, who missed the regular-season game due to a concussion, has emerged as a significant threat, reshaping the dynamics of the Texans’ offense.

The Texans’ offense under Stroud’s leadership showcased a marked improvement, scoring 30 or more points in four games. Stroud’s impressive rookie season statistics include 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, with a completion rate of 63.8%. His quarterback rating of 100.8 puts him in the company of established names like Tua Tagovailoa, Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, and Lamar Jackson. Despite his notable accomplishments, Stroud will be without wide receiver Tank Dell, who is on the injured reserve list.

However, even with Stroud’s stellar performance, there are instances where he faced challenges during the regular season. A four-game stretch in October saw Stroud struggling against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers. Despite completing only 56% of his passes and averaging 223.5 passing yards per game during this period, Stroud managed to toss five touchdown passes and suffered only one interception, resulting in a split outcome for the Texans.

The Texans’ victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, where Stroud threw three interceptions, highlighted that Stroud’s performances aren’t always flawless. Despite his struggles, the Texans secured the win, underscoring the resilience of the team. Additionally, a lackluster performance against the New York Jets, where Stroud completed only 43.5% of his passes for 91 yards and sustained four sacks, offers insights into potential vulnerabilities for the Browns to exploit.

Examining the Jets game reveals a potential strategy for the Browns to slow down Stroud. The Jets pressured Stroud on 30.8% of his pass attempts, and their secondary played a pivotal role. Considering Houston’s inconsistent offensive line and its vulnerability under pressure, Cleveland’s defensive front could capitalize on this weakness. Even if the pressure doesn’t result in sacks, disrupting Stroud’s rhythm and forcing incomplete passes on crucial downs could prove beneficial for the Browns, who boast the league’s best third-down defense.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz acknowledged the challenge posed by Stroud, emphasizing the rookie’s command, decisiveness, accuracy, and ability to create big plays down the field. Schwartz highlighted Stroud’s impressive passing yards without a high turnover rate, emphasizing the need for tight coverage, a persistent pass rush, and limiting yards after the catch to contain the rookie quarterback.

Nico Collins, a key target for Stroud, leads the Texans in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. The Browns’ secondary, one of the league’s best, could further strengthen with the potential return of safety Grant Delpit from the injured reserve list.

In essence, the Browns’ success against Stroud hinges on generating consistent pressure, tight coverage, and disrupting the Texans’ passing game. If the Browns can execute this game plan effectively, they aim to replicate their Week 16 victory and provide a disappointing sequel for the Texans in this crucial playoff matchup.

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