The Houston Texans survived rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s first multi-interception game to outlast the Arizona Cardinals, 21-16.

They did so, fittingly, as Stroud’s fellow 2023 first-round draft pick Will Anderson hit quarterback Kyler Murray to break up Arizona’s last chance at a comeback.

Anderson’s pressure — and the pressure it allowed his defensive teammates to lay on Arizona — reminded sharp NFL fans why the Texans sent the Cardinals first-, second- and third-round picks as collateral to jump from the 12th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft to the third. (The Cardinals also sent a fourth-round pick as part of terms.)

The Texans had already selected quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, but Houston saw Anderson as another cornerstone for first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans.

They knew the Cardinals needed to rebuild until they fronted Murray or his successor for an entire season (Murray returned in November from a December 2023 ACL tear).

So Anderson became a Texan.

With a sack, a game-sealing quarterback hit and another key tackle for loss Sunday, he flashed his potential.

The Texans needed that defensive effort as Stroud played a productive but uncharacteristically mistake-ridden day.

Stroud was intercepted in the second quarter when Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson dropped underneath in the middle of the end zone. He was intercepted with 9:42 to play in the fourth quarter when, again driving in the red-zone, Stroud targeted receiver Robert Woods and the ball instead deflected off Woods’ hands and into the waiting hands of Cardinals linebacker Kris Barnes. Stroud’s last turnvoer — his first three-interception game in 36 college and pro contests — was intercepted when Arizona cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. undercut Stroud’s pass down the left sideline.

Stroud finished 27-of-37 for 336 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Texans receiver Tank Dell caught a game-high eight of 10 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Murray, in his second game back from a torn ACL, completed 20-of-30 passes for 214 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He leaned on his trademark escapability for another 51 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.

The Texans improved to 6-4 while the Cardinals fell to 2-9.

This developing story will be updated.