Chiefs pass rush made C.J. Stroud absolutely miserable in Divisional Round win

Arrowhead Stadium is a tough place to play for opposing quarterbacks. More often than not, signal callers for a visiting team find it hard to get in rhythm, let alone come away with a victory, in such a raucous and hostile environment. But even according to Arrowhead's standards, C.J. Stroud had a very difficult night on Saturday.

Not only did the Chiefs put away the Texans by a final score of 23-14 in the AFC's Divisional Round matchup, but the Texans' quarterback came up injured on more than one play—including a need to be helped off of the field late in the fourth quarter after taking another hit.

That's because Stroud was sacked 8 times.

George Karlaftis had an epic night to lead the Chiefs pass rush against Houston.

The Chiefs pass rush was incredible in the team's postseason opener, as Steve Spagnuolo dialed up one brilliant blitz call after another. Not only was the playcalling exemplary down the stretch as the Texans did their best to even the score, but the execution was just as good as the Chiefs came up with 14 quarterback hits.

In fact, it looks as if the Chiefs came up with more pressure than anyone realistically could have expected.

Leading the charge was the non-stop motor of George Karlaftis, who came up huge with 3 sacks and 4 hits. He single-handledly shut down the Texans' momentum in the fourth quarter and put his name forward for a defense in which Trent McDuffie and Chris Jones normally receive the majority of national attention and praise.

Following that final sack from Karlaftis, Stroud came up more hurt than ever and was assisted to the sideline near the end of the game.

But Karlaftis wasn't the only one getting in on the action. Despite being held on numerous plays on the night, Chris Jones came away with a sack. So did defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Charles Omenihu not only earned a sack but forced a fumble in the process, which is becoming his calling card in the postseason.

Turk Wharton got an 8-yard sack on Stroud in the first half that set the Texans back offensively at an important moment, and defensive back Chamarri Conner got into the act as well on a well-timed blitz. Safety Justin Reid and linebackers Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton all got hits on Stroud as well.

Not only will Stroud's condition be something to monitor for Texans fans this offseason, but now the front office simply must go to work with a singular focus on upgrading the protection for their franchise face. Laremy Tunsil is a start, but weaker positions manned by Kenyon Green at guard or Blake Fisher at tackle simply cannot be the answer going forward.