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Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats

July 21, 2025 4:10 am

The NFL matchup between the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on November 10, 2024, was a game for the ages. Played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the Lions pulled off an improbable 26-23 victory despite a rocky performance from their quarterback, Jared Goff. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with turnovers, clutch plays, and a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, key moments, and standout performances from this unforgettable clash, breaking it down in a way that’s easy to follow for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Lions or Texans supporter or just love football, this recap will give you all the details you need.

Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

The Detroit Lions entered the game with an impressive 8-1 record, leading the NFC North, while the Houston Texans, at 6-4, were fighting to maintain their lead in the AFC South. The game was a Sunday Night Football spectacle, broadcast on NBC/Peacock, with a packed crowd of 71,512 fans at NRG Stadium. Despite the Lions being favored by 4.5 points, the Texans dominated the first half, leading 23-7 at halftime. However, the Lions’ resilience and a stellar defensive performance in the second half turned the tide, culminating in a game-winning 52-yard field goal by kicker Jake Bates as time expired.

This game was defined by turnovers—seven in total, with the Lions responsible for five and the Texans for two. Despite Jared Goff’s career-high five interceptions, the Lions’ defense and clutch offensive plays allowed them to overcome a 16-point deficit. Let’s break down the player stats and highlight the stars who shaped this thrilling contest.

Team Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats at a Glance

Before diving into individual performances, here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:

Total Yards: Lions 345, Texans 248
Turnovers: Lions 5 (all interceptions), Texans 2 (interceptions)
First Downs: Lions 19, Texans 16
Time of Possession: Lions 27:32, Texans 32:28
Third-Down Conversions: Lions 6/12 (50%), Texans 6/15 (40%)
Rushing Yards: Lions 145, Texans 56
Passing Yards: Lions 200, Texans 192
Sacks: Lions defense 4, Texans defense 0

These numbers tell the story of a game where the Lions’ defense stepped up big time, especially in the second half, shutting out the Texans and giving their offense a chance to claw back.

Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats

Jared Goff (Quarterback)

Jared Goff had a night he’d probably like to forget, but his resilience was key to the Lions’ victory. The veteran quarterback threw a career-high five interceptions, a shocking contrast to his efficient play earlier in the season, where he had only four picks in nine games. Despite the turnovers, Goff stayed composed and made critical plays late in the game.

Passing: 15/30 (50% completion), 240 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Passer Rating: 59.7
Key Moments: Goff’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta in the second quarter got the Lions on the board, and his 9-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth quarter cut the Texans’ lead to three points. His 11-yard completion to St. Brown on a crucial 3rd-and-6 late in the game set up the game-winning field goal.

Goff’s ability to shake off his mistakes and deliver in the clutch was a testament to his mental toughness. As he said post-game, “I’ve been through a whole lot worse than that. Some unlucky plays aren’t going to throw me off my game.”

David Montgomery (Running Back)

David Montgomery was a workhorse for the Lions, providing a steady ground game that kept the offense moving. His touchdown run in the third quarter sparked the comeback.

Rushing: 13 carries, 32 yards, 1 touchdown (3-yard TD run)
Receiving: 2 receptions, 25 yards
Key Moment: Montgomery’s 3-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter cut the Texans’ lead to 23-13, although the failed two-point conversion kept the Lions trailing by double digits.

Montgomery’s physical running style was crucial in wearing down the Texans’ defense, especially in the second half when the Lions leaned on their ground game to control the clock.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)

Jahmyr Gibbs complemented Montgomery with his speed and versatility, leading the team in rushing yards.

Rushing: 15 carries, 71 yards (4.7 yards per carry)
Receiving: 1 reception, 6 yards
Key Moment: Gibbs had several big runs in the second half, including a 15-yard scamper that helped set up a scoring drive.

Gibbs’ ability to break off chunk plays gave the Lions’ offense the spark it needed to stay in the game despite Goff’s struggles.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)

Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s go-to target, delivering in critical moments to keep the Lions’ hopes alive.

Receiving: 5 receptions, 67 yards, 1 touchdown (9-yard TD)
Key Moment: St. Brown’s 11-yard catch on 3rd-and-6 with 1:40 remaining moved the Lions into field goal range, setting up Jake Bates’ game-winning kick.

St. Brown’s reliability and clutch performance were vital in the Lions’ comeback effort.

Sam LaPorta (Tight End)

Sam LaPorta, despite suffering an AC joint injury in his shoulder, made a significant impact with a touchdown catch.

Receiving: 3 receptions, 44 yards, 1 touchdown (20-yard TD)
Key Moment: LaPorta’s 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was the Lions’ only score in the first half, keeping them within striking distance.

LaPorta’s status for future games is uncertain due to the injury, but his contribution in this game was undeniable.

Jake Bates (Kicker)

Jake Bates, a former soccer player turned NFL kicker, was the hero of the night. His perfect performance on field goals sealed the Lions’ victory.

Field Goals: 2/2 (58 yards, 52 yards)
Extra Points: 2/2
Key Moment: Bates’ 52-yard field goal as time expired clinched the 26-23 win, and his 58-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter tied the game at 23-23.

Bates’ composure under pressure was remarkable, especially considering he was selling bricks just a year ago. His post-game comment, “I just don’t deserve this,” reflected his humility and disbelief at being part of such a moment.

Carlton Davis III (Cornerback)

The Lions’ defense was the backbone of this comeback, and cornerback Carlton Davis III was a standout with two interceptions.

Interceptions: 2 (both in the third quarter)
Key Moment: Davis’ interception of C.J. Stroud on the first play of the second half gave the Lions’ offense great field position, although they couldn’t capitalize. His second pick in the end zone prevented a potential Texans score.

Davis’ performance was crucial in keeping the Texans’ offense in check during the second half.

Alim McNeill (Defensive Tackle)

Alim McNeill was a force on the defensive line, disrupting the Texans’ run game and contributing to the Lions’ dominant second-half defense.

Stats: 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Run Defense Stop Rate: 15.0% (ranked 6th among interior defenders in Week 10)
Average Depth of Tackle: -0.3 yards (3rd among interior defenders)

McNeill’s ability to clog running lanes helped limit the Texans to just 56 rushing yards, a key factor in the Lions’ defensive shutout in the second half.

Houston Texans: Key Player Stats

C.J. Stroud (Quarterback)

C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ second-year quarterback, had a solid but uneven performance, with two costly interceptions in the second half.

Passing: 19/33 (57.6% completion), 232 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Passer Rating: 64.2
Key Moment: Stroud’s 15-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie III with 16 seconds left in the first half gave the Texans a commanding 23-7 lead. However, his two interceptions in the third quarter stalled the Texans’ offense.

Stroud took responsibility for the loss, saying, “I blame this game on me. I’ve got to be better in those moments.” His potential is undeniable, but the second-half turnovers were a turning point.

Joe Mixon (Running Back)

Joe Mixon started strong with a touchdown but was bottled up by the Lions’ defense for most of the game.

Rushing: 25 carries, 46 yards (1.8 yards per carry), 1 touchdown (8-yard TD)
Receiving: 3 receptions, 27 yards
Key Moment: Mixon’s 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave the Texans an early 7-0 lead.

The Lions’ run defense, led by Alim McNeill, limited Mixon to just 1.6 yards per carry outside of his touchdown run, a testament to their dominance.

John Metchie III (Wide Receiver)

John Metchie III had a breakout moment, scoring his first career touchdown.

Receiving: 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 touchdown (15-yard TD)
Key Moment: Metchie’s 15-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter extended the Texans’ lead to 23-7, capping a brilliant six-play, 66-yard drive.

Metchie’s performance was a bright spot for the Texans, especially considering his inspiring journey back from leukemia.

Ka’imi Fairbairn (Kicker)

Ka’imi Fairbairn was reliable for most of the game but missed a critical field goal that could have changed the outcome.

Field Goals: 3/4 (34 yards, 56 yards, 29 yards; missed 58 yards)
Extra Points: 2/2
Key Moment: Fairbairn’s missed 58-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining gave the Lions the opportunity to drive for the game-winning kick.

Fairbairn’s three successful field goals kept the Texans ahead for much of the game, but the miss proved costly.

Kamari Lassiter (Cornerback)

Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter had a standout game, picking off Jared Goff twice.

Interceptions: 2 (one in the second quarter, one in the third)
Key Moment: Lassiter’s interception on the final play of the first half prevented a Lions score, and his second pick in the third quarter halted a promising Lions drive.

Lassiter’s performance was a highlight for the Texans’ defense, which forced five turnovers.

Jimmie Ward (Safety)

Jimmie Ward set the tone early with an interception on the Lions’ opening drive.

Interceptions: 1 (first quarter)
Key Moment: Ward’s interception, aided by a tip from Jalen Pitre, led to the Texans’ first touchdown.

Calen Bullock (Safety)

Calen Bullock added to the Texans’ interception haul, further disrupting Goff’s rhythm.

Interceptions: 1 (third quarter)
Key Moment: Bullock’s interception in the third quarter gave the Texans a chance to extend their lead, but the offense couldn’t capitalize.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

Early Turnovers Set the Tone: The game started with a tipped pass from Goff intercepted by Jimmie Ward, leading to Joe Mixon’s 8-yard touchdown run. The Texans capitalized on Goff’s second and third interceptions with field goals, building a 16-7 lead.
Texans’ First-Half Dominance: Houston’s six-play, 66-yard drive late in the second quarter, capped by John Metchie III’s touchdown, gave them a 23-7 lead at halftime. The Lions’ defense struggled to get stops, and Goff’s third interception on a Hail Mary attempt ended the half on a sour note.
Second-Half Defensive Turnaround: The Lions’ defense came alive in the second half, starting with Carlton Davis III’s interception of C.J. Stroud on the first play. Despite Goff’s fourth and fifth interceptions, the defense held firm, recording four sacks and limiting the Texans to zero points.
Lions’ Comeback: David Montgomery’s 3-yard touchdown run and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 9-yard touchdown catch brought the Lions within three points. Jake Bates’ 58-yard field goal tied the game at 23-23 with 5:01 remaining.
Fairbairn’s Miss and Bates’ Heroics: Ka’imi Fairbairn’s missed 58-yard field goal with 1:56 left gave the Lions a chance. Jared Goff’s 11-yard pass to St. Brown on 3rd-and-6 set up Jake Bates’ 52-yard game-winner as time expired.

Why This Game Matters

This game showcased the Lions’ resilience and ability to win under pressure, even when their quarterback had a historically bad day. For the Texans, it was a missed opportunity to capitalize on a dominant first half, highlighting their struggles to score in the second half—a recurring issue in 2024. The Lions improved to 8-1, solidifying their status as Super Bowl contenders, while the Texans fell to 6-4, facing questions about their offensive consistency.