Houston Texans 'Safety' Tytus Howard Details Live Reaction to C.J. Stroud's First Interception
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has set multiple records revolving around his inability to throw interceptions. However, the New Orleans Saints became the first team to take the ball away from Stroud on Sunday...but it only lasted a couple of seconds.
On Stroud's fifth pass attempt of the game (No. 191 of his career), the 21-year-old delivered a strike over the middle to Saints linebacker Zack Baun. But on the return, Texans receiver Nico Collins punched the ball out and right tackle Tytus Howard recovered it.
Howard detailed his real-time reaction to the wild play after the game in the locker room.
"I was just back there playing safety," Howard said. "I was like 'I'm the last guy, if he gets passed me it's a touchdown.' I saw Nico punch the ball out and it came right to me. I told myself 'I have to jump on it.'"
Houston's offense stayed on the field and played as if nothing happened just before. Running back Devin Singletary restarted the drive with two runs for a combined 21 yards, and Stroud followed them with a 34-yard connection to receiver Noah Brown. The drive ended with a one-yard touchdown reception by tight end Dalton Schultz.
Houston Texans right tackle Tytus Howard (71) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (7).
The "safety" was mesmerized by Stroud's poise after his first career interception.
"He didn't blink," Howard said. "He drove back down the field, threw a touchdown to Dalton and didn't blink. That's what you want to see from a quarterback. For him to be a rookie and be able to do that speaks volumes out here."
The touchdown was Houston's first score of the game and it gave them momentum on both sides of the ball for the rest to eventually win 20-13.
Howard was very pleased with how "everybody fought" and the defense's "dominant" performance in the second half.
"We came out strong," Howard said. "As a group, we did better in the run game this week against a really good defense. We rushed for over 100 yards. We eliminated the big plays and only had one turnover."
The Texans won't be playing this upcoming week as they are on a bye. Their three wins in six games is the same amount that they had in 17 contests last season.
