Houston Texans @ New England Patriots Half Time Update

New England seized control of the divisional-round matchup in the first half by capitalizing on a disastrous stretch from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Patriots intercepted Stroud four times in the opening 30 minutes, turning those takeaways into a 21–10 halftime lead. Marcus Jones delivered the biggest swing with a 26-yard pick-six early in the second quarter, while Carlton Davis added two interceptions and Craig Woodson recorded the other.

Stroud struggled badly, finishing the half 10-of-26 for 124 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions. His turnovers came in a variety of ways, and the performance was poor enough that Houston could consider turning to Davis Mills in the second half. Despite the interceptions, Stroud did connect with Christian Kirk for a 10-yard touchdown that briefly gave the Texans a 10–7 lead.

Drake Maye’s first half was productive but uneven. He threw for 117 yards and two touchdowns, but also committed three fumbles, two of which were recovered by the Patriots. Left tackle Will Campbell saved possessions by falling on both strip-sacks. Maye’s lone interception came on a last-second Hail Mary attempt before halftime.

Offensively, neither team found much consistency. Houston totaled 132 yards and nine first downs but was undone by its four turnovers. New England managed just six first downs and went 1-of-8 on third down, though it finished with 134 total yards. The Texans will receive the second-half kickoff as they attempt to recover from a turnover-filled opening half.