NFL fans turned C.J. Stroud's abysmal first half into a meme

[ASFN Admin]

The Texans knew that Sunday's weather in New England was going to make for some challenges against the Patriots defense. But at the same time, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans had to expect C.J. Stroud to at least be smart with the football.

Instead, the Texans quarterback couldn't have played a worse first half if he tried.

With a chance to lead the Texans to the first conference title game in the franchise's history, Stroud had such a disastrous first half that there had to be serious consideration for benching him. Stroud threw four interceptions in the half, and they were all reckless decisions.

Carlton Davis III with his second INT of the day!

The @Patriots with their FOURTH of the half

HOUvsNE on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/ZERwCkddEj

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026

But even with the brutal effort, the Texans defense kept Houston in the game, and Ryans stuck with Stroud for the start of the second half.

That didn't stop fans from turning the awful first half into a meme. Stroud was that bad.

This was how fans reacted on social media​

“CJ, we have the best defense in the league…we need you to literally just hand it off every play and we win the game.”

CJ Stroud - pic.twitter.com/X6PDClk1yq

— Tyler (@I_AM_WILDCAT) January 18, 2026

CJ STROUD DROPS BACK TO PASS pic.twitter.com/lhcD7OdmJ8

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 18, 2026

CJ Stroud when he doesn’t get pressured https://t.co/sO9jZEIo3Rpic.twitter.com/TryU1eU77A

— Simpsons NFL (@TheSimpsonsNFL) January 18, 2026

Texans fans : “let’s score here”

CJ Stroud : pic.twitter.com/ec8YkeeAGU

— (@xJahstin) January 18, 2026

"and with that sack Texans have forced ANOTHER defensive stop. Let's see what C.J. Stroud can do with it"

C.J. Stroud: pic.twitter.com/P0ghsYgM54

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 18, 2026

CJ Stroud today pic.twitter.com/xzhT4ufziF

— Overtime (@overtime) January 18, 2026

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL fans turned C.J. Stroud's abysmal first half into a meme

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