Halftime: C.J. Stroud Leads Offensive Surge, Texans Up Big Over Titans
C.J. Stroud is back in rhythm as if he never left.
Stroud connected with tight end Brevin Jordan for a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter to extend the Houston Texans' lead by 10 over the Tennessee Titans. Two plays later, the scoring continued.
The Texans lead 20-3 over the Titans entering halftime after a strip sack by Jerry Hughes led to a 12-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown from Sheldon Rankins. Houston will receive the ball to begin the second half.
Stroud, who missed the past two games due to concussion protocol, didn't miss a beat back as QB1. He connected with Nico Collins for a pair of first downs during the opening drive of the second quarter before finding Jordan for the score.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks at the replay while playing against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at NRG Stadium.
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The rookie passer also led Houston on a 13-play opening drive to set up a 28-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn. Stroud finished 16 of 20 passing for 132 yards and a score.
Tennessee's offense sputtered after a three-and-out to begin the game. Will Levis connected for three first downs in the first quarter, but was met by a swarm of Texans to force back-to-back punts.
Levis was carted off with a foot injury following the Rankins' touchdown, leading to Ryan Tannehill's return at NRG Stadium. Entering the week, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Houston would prepare for both quarterbacks.
Tannehill found better consistency but little vertical success as he completed all six passing attempts for 78 yards. The veteran connected with former Texans All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a gain of 18 to set up a 53-yard field goal from Nick Folk.
Stroud wasn't the only Texans rookie making his return to the lineup. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was active for the first time since Week 13's win over the Denver Broncos. During the final drive, the No. 3 pick recorded two sacks against Tannehill to stall the drive.
With a win, Houston (8-7) remains alive and atop the AFC South rankings heading into Indianapolis for a Week 18 matchup with the Colts. The Texans, Colts, and Jaguars all remained tied for first place in the division, though Indy and Jacksonville are higher in the AFC Standings due to head-to-head wins.
