Stunned.
Shocked.
Sadly, not surprised.
Even after forcing five interceptions against Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the Houston Texans couldn’t get out of their way in the second half.
They allowed a 19-0 swing capped off with a 52-yard field goal from Jake Bates to help Detroit secure a 26-23 walk-off comeback.
The Texans, which ended their undefeated streak at home, have lost three of their last five and haven’t scored in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.
Final from #DETvsHOU pic.twitter.com/B6lOoWl6rF
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 11, 2024
Goff, who likely lost his claim in the MVP race, won the game. That’s all that matters in the end since Detroit remains a game ahead of Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC standings.
The former No. 1 overall pick struggled from the get-go, as his opening drive resulted in a Jimmie Ward interception. Three drives later, another pass was batted at the line of scrimmage, only this one leading to a Henry To’oTo’o interception.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t miss for the first 30 minutes. After connecting with Tank Dell and John Metchie III for first-down gains, Joe Mixon secured the 7-0 lead with an 8-yard touchdown run.
Stroud later found Metchie for a 15-yard score, the first of the former second-round pick’s career. Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled three kicks, helping Houston secure a 23-7 halftime lead.
WOW
: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/MPkOoXvVoo
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 11, 2024
That was the final positive of the night from Houston’s offense, but Detroit was getting started. It took two more interceptions from Goff to finally get on the same page, but the Lions’ defense returned the favor.
Stroud was picked off on the opening play of the third quarter. After Goff returned the favor, he eventually led the Lions downfield on a three-play drive capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery.
Stroud, who finished with 232 passing yards and a touchdown, tossed his second interception to Carlton Davis III on an intended touchdown pass to Tank Dell.
The Lions responded two drives later with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Bates, who previously played for the Texans, drilled a 58-yard field goal with 5:01 remaining.
Fairbairn could have sealed the game with a 59-yard attempt, but the kick went wide left, giving the Lions the ball at midfield. Goff found St. Brown for an 11-yard gain, forcing the Texans to burn their final timeout while setting up Bates’ field goal.
CJ Stroud:
“I feel like this game was on me. Just gotta make throws. Can’t turn the ball over in scoring position. I blame this on me. I gotta be better in those moments.” pic.twitter.com/pQmiUwBEHA
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) November 11, 2024
Goff’s five picks were the most by an NFL player since fellow former No.1 overall pick Jameis Winston, who threw five on Oct. 13, 2019, against Carolina while with Tampa Bay.
He finished with 240 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Stroud’s two interceptions mark the second multi-turnover game of the season and third in his career.
Rookie cornerback Kamari Laisster, who left with a concussion in the third quarter, recorded two interceptions. Fellow rookie defensive back Calen Bullock extended his team-leading turnover total to four with a pick in the third quarter.
Metchie led the Texans with five catches for 74 yards. Mixon finished with 46 yards on 25 carries.
Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 71 yards, while tight end Sam LaPorta led Detroit with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans, who had 10 days to prepare for Week 10’s matchup at home, will have eight days to reassess and regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys.