The Cleveland Browns defeated the Houston Texans just a few weeks ago by a score of 36-22, but that was without rookie star quarterback C.J. Stroud. With Stroud now back in the lineup, they understand that this week’s Wild Card round playoff matchup is going to look quite a bit different.
During his press conference this week, Cleveland Browns linebacker linebacker Sione Takitaki acknowledged that things were a little easier on the team’s defense the last time they met the Texans since Stroud missed the game as a result of concussion protocol.
“His ability to run and pass is what is going to make a difference in preparing for the Texans,” Takitaki said according to the Cleveland Browns team website. “He’s a rookie, but he proved he is special. He’s a front-runner for offensive rookie of the year. You can learn from your mistakes since they didn’t have Stroud the first time around. Having their guy will make it a bigger challenge for us.”
We’ll have to see if Stroud’s return to the lineup is enough to boost the Texans offense and help lead the team to victory over the Browns this week. One way or another, it’s clear that the Browns think it will be an additional challenge.
About Kevin Harrish