The Houston Texans stepped into the AFC Divisional Round with high hopes, ready to make a statement. But instead of a triumphant exit, they left New England grappling with tough questions about their quarterback and their potential. After a heartbreaking playoff defeat, one voice in the locker room rose above the rest, delivering a powerful message of support.
Will Anderson’s Message Cuts Through the Noise After Stroud’s Nightmare Game
Will Anderson made it clear there’s no doubt in his mind about C.J. Stroud, even after the Texans’ season ended with a loss to the Patriots. The Houston pass rusher threw his full support behind his quarterback, sending a message that meant as much for the locker room as for the fans.
“I still think you’re the best quarterback in the league, hands down,” Anderson said he told Stroud. “There’s nobody better than you. We’re behind him. We’re rallying behind him.”
#Texans DE Will Anderson said he told CJ Stroud “I still think you’re the best quarterback in the league hands down.” pic.twitter.com/7qIrgoTNSA
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) January 19, 2026
The statement came after one of the worst playoff performances of Stroud’s young career. In a 28–16 Divisional Round loss, Stroud threw four interceptions, all in the first half. He finished the day 20-of-47 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and a pick-six that shifted the game’s momentum permanently.
The Texans were not overmatched everywhere. Their defense forced four Drake Maye fumbles, intercepted him once, and held New England scoreless in the third quarter. Houston repeatedly handed Stroud chances to reset the game. Instead, turnovers kept piling up.
The interceptions told a brutal story. One sailed over Christian Kirk’s head and into Carlton Davis III’s hands. Another came as Stroud flicked the ball weakly while being hit, resulting in a Marcus Jones pick-six. A third bounced off Xavier Hutchinson before landing with Craig Woodson. The fourth, late in the half, erased any remaining hope of stability.
By halftime, Stroud had joined a short and infamous list. He became one of only four quarterbacks to throw four interceptions in a single playoff half. The Texans were already in survival mode.
Even the broadcast shifted tone. Scott Van Pelt openly wondered if head coach DeMeco Ryans should consider a quarterback change. Marcus Spears admitted it “had to be a conversation.” Ryans never made the switch and publicly backed Stroud after the game.
Anderson’s defense of his quarterback went beyond football. He framed it as faith, identity, and resilience.
“When he’s good on his faith, he knows who he is,” Anderson said. “God’s hands are behind him. He’s going to be good.”
That belief matters as Houston looks forward. Stroud has now thrown six interceptions against six touchdowns in his postseason career. The Texans have reached the playoffs in all three seasons Stroud has played, but have been eliminated in the Divisional Round each time.
Stroud is ranked 19th in the NFL in PFSN’s QB Impact Score through 14 games, with a 76.2 grade. And the Texans are ranked 23rd in offense with a 70.9 grade in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
The performance also complicates the future. Stroud is eligible for a massive extension this offseason. League executives have speculated about a deal similar to Brock Purdy’s, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has suggested Houston may wait another year. Games like this explain why.
Nothing about Anderson’s words erases what happened in Foxborough. But they reveal how the locker room sees Stroud. The Texans are not turning on their quarterback. They are doubling down.
The talent is still there. The questions are louder now. And the next chapter will determine whether belief turns back into results.
