Houston Texans (4) – Cleveland Browns (5): 45-14
Played for a while, the inaugural meeting of these playoffs largely turned to the advantage of the locals in the second half. Thanks to CJ Stroud and a defense that showed up at the right times.
Key moment: two pick-6s in quick succession
A key moment or rather two. The score was 24-14, in favor of the Texans with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. A deficit certainly significant for the Browns, but far from insurmountable at this stage of the match. Before Derek Barnett (2 tackles including 1 for loss, 1 sack) pushed Joe Flacco to send the ball into the bag of Steven Nelson, who was responsible for returning it 82 yards further (31-14). Pick-6 and 17-point advantage for Houston.
And repeat, from the next series. The Texans defense, solid on three attempts, forced Kevin Stefanski to try his luck on 4th & 2, 33 yards from his in-goal. A big risk immediately sanctioned by a new pick-6, this time signed Christian Harris (38-14). In the space of two minutesmass was irrevocably said.
Film of the match
In a meeting which pitted two quarterbacks who had in turn left their mark on the regular season, it was the defenses who took precedence over the attacks in the first series. Nothing surprising for the Browns, the best squad in the league this year, a little more so for the Texans, who had shown failures in the air until then.
But who says defense does not necessarily mean absence of class actions. At the end of the first quarter, Greg Newsome distinguished himself in this sense, preventing Robert Woods from opening the score on third attempt. It was Ka'imi Fairbairn, with his boot, who officially started the hostilities (3-0).
It didn't take much for Joe Flacco (34/46, 307 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions), like a good old diesel, to start the machine. With play-action, and with the help of David Njoku (7 receptions, 93 yards), the veteran quarterback quickly led his team to carry from the opposing goal. Six plays and 75 yards, in 3 minutes 20 of playing time: Kareem Hunt on the run and the Browns took the advantage (3-7).
From the grueling cross-country race, this opening game of the playoffs turned into a sprint at the end of the first quarter. For CJ Stroud, Devin Singletary (13 carries, 66 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 4 yards) and Nico Collins (6 receptions, 96 yards, 1 touchdown), it only took four plays and 1 minute 48 to complete the 75 yards to the Browns end goal. From the shepherd to the shepherdess, the response was given, the game definitively launched (10-7).
Because on the other hand, the response was not long in coming either. Thanks to a long pass to Harrison Bryant (4 receptions, 65 yards) to conclude the first 15 minutes, they were already in a good position at the start of the next 15 minutes. Play-action, then a run from Kareem Hunt (8 races, 26 yards, 1 touchdown, 5 receptions, 9 yards, 1 touchdown), after reception. Copy and paste, touchdown (10-14).
Cross-court, touchdown. Three words, which take more time to read than Brevin Jordan (1 reception, 76 yards, 1 touchdown) took to restore the advantage to Houston, as soon as the Texan attack returned to the field (17-14).
BREVIN JORDAN FOR 76 YARDS.
PLAYOFF FOOTBALL IS BACK.
📺: #CLEvsHOU on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jM781VisSx pic.twitter.com/TYJge0SGrj— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2024
Jim Schwartz, the Browns defensive coordinator, certainly screamed internally. The spectators at the stadium and in front of their televisions already got their money's worth. Texans fans in particular, Bobby Slowik constantly varying his play calls to put CJ Stroud and his offensive comrades in a position to shine. Even giving the Browns a dose of their own poison on a school play-action, concluded by Dalton Schultz (24-14).
After the double pick-6 at the end of the third quarter, Houston unfolded, like a team accustomed to games in the final stages, even affording the luxury of resting the holders, after the final touchdown of Devin Singletary (45- 14).
The MVP: CJ Stroud
If, with this match, Bobby Slowik will have completed his name among the most prominent coordinators in the league, it still remains for the players to execute his vision on the field. Before accepting a head coaching position, which won't be long, he might do well to take advantage of the exceptional quarterback he currently has at his disposal.
Like his regular season, CJ Stroud (16/21, 274 yards, 3 touchdowns) showed a serenity and maturity already worthy of references to the position. Helping transform one of the worst teams last year into one of the best this year was already an accomplishment. Teaching a lesson to the league's No. 1 defense, without Tank Dell, without Noah Brown and without trembling, is unheard of.
The flop: The Browns defense
It always seems cruel to blame a defense against a quarterback of this level, but for some reason that only they can explain, the Browns will not have been able to defend on the road like they did at home. Impregnable fortress at home, crumbly outside their bases, throughout the season, and again this Saturday evening. The offense only scored 14 points, but it was accepted that Cleveland's run in the playoffs would rest on the shoulders of Myles Garrett and company. And against Stroud, they failed.
The stat: 0
Glory to Stroud, sparkling for his playoff debut. Credit to DeMeco Ryans and the Texans defense, who did not concede a single point after returning from the locker room. Fanny under the baby.
And now ?
The revolution is underway in Houston, sooner than even the most optimistic expected. Back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, they are now qualified for the divisional round, led by the youngest quarterback still in the running and a head coach who is also a beginner. Unexpected but not without hope of going further.
