The Houston Texans were eliminated from the AFC Divisional Playoff game after a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots. Following the game, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans addressed quarterback C.J. Stroud's performance and the team's future, while Stroud acknowledged areas for personal development. The elimination concludes a season during which the Texans achieved significant milestones.
Playoff Elimination
The Houston Texans' season concluded with a 28-16 defeat against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. During the game, C.J. Stroud accumulated four first-half interceptions.
Coach Ryans' Comments on Stroud
Following the playoff exit, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans defended C.J. Stroud, stating, "C.J. is our guy." Ryans confirmed he did not consider a quarterback change during the division-round loss. In a subsequent assessment, Ryans acknowledged the significant attention the quarterback position receives, a fact he noted Stroud understands. Ryans commented that Stroud demonstrated improvement and performed well in learning a new offense and scheme throughout the 2025 season, contributing to team victories. He emphasized that the recent playoff game's performance issues would not define Stroud's capabilities.
Ryans advised Stroud to "Keep your head up and you keep moving forward," encouraging him to learn from the experience, identify areas for improvement, and prioritize these fixes. He also advised Stroud to disregard negative public discourse, suggesting he "Don't listen to anything. Put your phone away. Don't listen to anything," and take time to clear his mind.
Ryans deferred discussions regarding the team's offseason plans and questions concerning potential contract extensions for Stroud.
Quarterback Stroud's Perspective
C.J. Stroud acknowledged his ongoing development, stating he is "still getting better" and has "a lot of things to figure out" as he approaches his fourth year. He referenced adjusting to a new system and new players but stated, "that's no excuse. I got to learn from that." Stroud conveyed that he felt he had let the team down.
Performance Context and Team Achievements
Stroud's rookie season in 2023 included leading the Texans to an AFC South title and a playoff win, setting efficiency records, and accumulating over 4,000 passing yards.
Over two playoff games, Stroud recorded seven turnovers, which included five fumbles (two lost) and one interception in the first game, followed by four interceptions in the second game.
Under the leadership of Coach Ryans and with Stroud as quarterback, the Texans have secured two AFC South titles and reached the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. This duo marks the first head coach and quarterback pairing in NFL history to win the division in each of their first two seasons together, and one of few to reach the playoffs in their first three seasons.
Future Outlook and Contract Status
Ryans expressed optimism about the Texans' future, stating a desire for the team to "make history" and be the "first to do a lot of things here." The Texans are expected to exercise the fifth-year option on Stroud's rookie contract.