In a battle of field goals, the Houston Texans almost toppled the mighty Detroit Lions, but ultimately lost 26-23. It was a valiant effort from Houston’s squad who started the game without Nico Collins, who was cleared to play from injured reserve but was not feeling 100%. Despite that setback, Joe Mixon led the Texans to some early game success, but they fizzled out towards the end, allowing the Detroit Lions to mount a very impressive comeback.
Houston Dominates Early Game
Anyone who missed the first half of this game could be forgiven for being shocked by halftime. The Houston Texans opened up to a solid lead and never let up. It started during the first drive of the game when Jalen Pitre picked off Jared Goff. Joe Mixon really led the team to their early success since he ran for the first touchdown and almost had a second by the time the first quarter expired.
C.J. Stroud was able to connect with Mixon on a screen pass that went for 36 yards. Mixon used a couple of well-timed cutbacks that put the team in the red zone. Stroud couldn’t get the ball into the endzone, but this led to one of three field goals like Kaimi Fairbairn from the first half.
Before the end of the half, Stroud scored his first passing touchdown by throwing to John Metchie III. This player was almost traded as he played very well during the preseason. Still, considering all of the injuries to the Houston Texans receiving core, they are looking very smart by keeping him on the team.
Jared Goff Throws Plenty Interceptions
Perhaps the most shocking part of the game was how loose Jared Goff was with the football. He threw five interceptions total, which is nuts considering he only threw four interceptions in his other games this season. The Houston Texans defense really had a good idea of what Detroit liked to run and where the defensive backs needed to be to disrupt the football.
Detroit Mounts Impressive Comeback
Detroit would not go quietly into that good night, however. They scored 19 unanswered points in the second half. One of the touchdowns scored in that period of time was a short run by David Montgomery, who has been splitting time with running back Jamir Gibbs. It looks like Detroit is still going to be using both of these running backs equally, despite how promising Gibbs looks.
Houston did have a shot to win the game towards the end. Stroud drove down the field to around the opposing 40-yard line. Fairbairn then attempted a 58-yard field goal, but not only did he miss, but they gave the ball back to the Detroit Lions with a little over 1:50 left to make a game-winning drive of their own. That’s exactly what they did, with James Bates kicking a 52-yarder shortly after his 58-yard field goal to tie the game.