The Detroit Lions beat the Houston Texans in a game that was a tale of two halves. With Jared Goff throwing three interceptions and the defense allowing 23 points, the Detroit Lions struggled to get anything going in the first half. In the second half, the defense held Houston scoreless and picked off Stroud twice while the offense moved the ball and set up two huge field goals. This game had many winners and losers, but the ones stood out the most.
Winners
Carlton Davis
Davis has been a great addition to the Detroit Lions this year, and this is his best game of the season. Davis was targeted 5 times this game, allowing just two catches for 16 yards. Additionally, he helped Detroit keep Houston to zero points in the second half by picking off CJ Stroud twice. After a rough start to the season, Davis has been excellent and significantly improved over what Detroit had last season. He’s been a huge reason for Detroit’s defensive success and will need to continue to play like he has been if Detroit wants to continue to win.
Jake Bates
Jake Bates has performed exceptionally well this season, and this game is no different. Bates tied the game with a 58-yard field goal, then won it with a 52-yard field goal. He has only missed one extra point all season and is the only kicker in the NFL to make 100% of his field goals. It looks like the Lions have found a kicker they can trust, which should help Dan Campbell out when he decides if he should kick or go for it on 4th down.
Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams was fresh off his two-game suspension, and he played extremely well. He had three catches for 53 yards, making a few great catches and showing that he will be just fine. He’s had a great season so far, gaining Goff’s trust and helping the offense make big plays. He has 414 yards and three touchdowns this year and is showing everyone why he was a first-round pick just a few years ago.
Losers
Jared Goff
Goff was terrible, completing just 50% of his passes and throwing a whopping five picks. Up to this game, Goff had been playing great, even entering the top of the MVP conversation. He will look to bounce back these next few weeks and get back to how he had been playing previously, finding open receivers and taking care of the ball. If the Detroit Lions want to make it to the Super Bowl, Goff will need to make smart throws and avoid turning the ball over often.
Offensive Line
The offensive line struggled yet again, allowing constant pressure on Goff. Despite not allowing any sacks, they allowed Goff to be hit 4 times. They were without left tackle Taylor Decker, and you could tell they missed him. There were very few run gaps on the left side, which was a big reason the Lions run game struggled. Decker should be back next week, and with his return, the o-line will look to bounce back, allowing both Goff and the running back duo to have big games.