Houston's Turnover Troubles End Texans' Super Bowl Aspirations

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Houston quarterback CJ Stroud threw a career-worst four interceptions as the Texans fell to the New England Patriots, 28-16, in the divisional round of the playoffs on Sunday. 

The Texans have now lost in the divisional round for the 3rd straight year and are 0-7 in the round as in franchise history.

"It's tough to win a game when you turn the ball over five times," Head Coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game.

Houston's defense kept the Texans in the contest despite the turnovers. In fact, it was a five-point game, 21-16, headed into the fourth quarter. However, a touchdown pass in the 4th quarter ultimately put the game out of reach. The Texans forced three Patriot turnovers in the contest, two in the first half, one in the second.

Houston's best opportunity to tie the game came in the 3rd quarter. Down 21-13, a touchdown and 2-point conversion would tie up the game. The Texans drove into Patriots territory, but Stroud was sacked in the backfield, killing the drive.

New England played solid defense in the 4th quarter after their final touchdown and ran out the clock to claim victory, 28-16.

Stroud finished 20-47 for 212 yards and one touchdown to go along with his four interceptions.

"I just felt like I let people down," Houston's quarterback said in the post game press conference. "It hurts , and I'm not used to it."

The Patriots' Drake Maye finished his divisional round 16-27 for 179 yards, but fumbled the ball four times and had an interception against Houston's dangerous defense. New England advances to the AFC Championship next week against the Denver Broncos, who just lost their starting quarterback for the year. It seems like the stars are aligning for the Patriots once again, while Houston returns to the drawing board.

The Texans finished with a 12-5 overall record this season, but failed to get past the hurdle that is the divisional round of the playoffs. Maybe next year will be Houston's year, especially if the defense stays together, but until then, the fans will just have to wait.