Texans 30, Steelers 6
Q. CJ, first, I guess what did you feel like happened? How do you feel like you were able to bounce back? DeMeco talked about your resolve. I think you made a huge throw to Christian Kirk. Can you take me through those two plays?
CJ STROUD: Yeah, we had some problems with the snaps, me catching them. Got to find a way just to catch them and take care of the ball. You know, we knew on tape that they did a good job of punching at the ball or trying to get you to -- while you're throwing get your throwing arm.
So I tried to work on that throughout the week. They made plays. These games, playoff games from my experience, they're going to make plays, we're going to make plays. It's all about moving forward and trying your best to flush it and keep going.
You know, I thought when -- every time we had to bounce back we made more plays, so I'm proud of our guys for having a little bit of resilience in those moments, and to finish the game like that was really dope.
Q. What did you think about Christian Kirk? I think that was a season high for him. What did you think about how he played?
CJ STROUD: Thought he played great. I think he's one of the best in the league. We've tried to find ways to get him the ball but wasn't really working out. That's what he can do. Been a big fan of his since I've been a kid. Just having his as a teammate and as a brother, we're really close. Our families are close.
So just super proud of that guy. I told him it's not easy being in the year he's in not having the production stats-wise. For him to keep going week in and week out, prepping the right way, to see it pay off was really dope. Super proud of him and just keep it going with him and he's a heck of a player.
Q. DeMeco said it was the best defensive performance he's ever seen. Do you share that opinion?
CJ STROUD: Yeah, I think our defense has played like this all year. They've held us up. I think this is one of the best performances I've ever seen. It's crazy to think the last three wildcard games I've played in they've always had a pick six and some type of two-turnover game.
When you have a defense like that it's really, really encouraging.
Q. All the offensive guys we talked to said even when things are going bad we knew CJ was going step up. What does that feel like, knowing those kind of compliments from the locker room?
CJ STROUD: Yeah, I think it's dope. I think it's amazing for those guys to keep faith and trust in me. I have faith and trust in myself. I learn from my mistakes and try to move on. I know things I need to get fixed, but I think I had a good game. Just got to clean those things up. For those guys always keeping me uplifted is really helpful full.
Q. When things aren't going well in the first half like that, do guys rally around you? Do you need to be by yourself? What's that like for you there on the sidelines?
CJ STROUD: Yeah, I think so. I think guys come up to me and give me encouragement. But I think -- but one thing I like about our team is everybody holds themself accountable. It's not just on CJ, not just on me. I've been on teams like that where there a lot of the pressure. Everybody is, I could have done this better, I could have done that better.
I think it does start with me. I got to take care of the football. Other than that, I thought I played a good game. Those guys did as well?
Q. The snaps, was it the weather or anything you can point to was the problem?
CJ STROUD: No, just got to get it fixed.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports