On a night when Jared Goff threw more interceptions in one night than he’s thrown all season, the game against the Houston Texans began to resemble a dumpster fire. But just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Lions came roaring back to win an ugly game, 26 to 23.
Lions Roar Back With Ugly 26-23 Win Over The Texans
Heading into the locker room at halftime, this game felt out of reach. Although the Texans only had a 16-point advantage, the score was misleading. Time after time, the Lions’ defense managed to get the ball back only to see another opportunity squandered.
Despite leading the NFL in every quarterback metric over the past month, the offense looked completely out of sync. Goff threw an inconceivable five interceptions. Multiple passes were batted away, punched out, or thrown far short of the intended receiver.
Before Sunday night, Goff had only four interceptions this entire season. He hadn’t thrown a single pick in the last five games. But instead of giving in to what seemed like an off-night for Goff and an inevitable loss, the Lions dug deep and fought back. In doing so, they became the first NFL team since 2012 to win a game despite throwing five or more interceptions.
Off to their best start since 1954, the 8-1 Lions own the second-best record in the NFL. Only the two-time Super Bowl-defending Kansas City Chiefs have a better record at 9-0. The Lions have outscored their opponents by a combined 108-point total over the last six games, but this win may be their most important victory. In a season that finally feels like the Lions’ Super Bowl destiny awaits, this game could be their defining moment.
Lions Didn’t Fold When It Got Ugly Against Texans
All season long, coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly praised this team as something special. He described the Lions as having the grit and tenacity to storm back from adversity and succeed despite the enormous odds against them. Sunday night’s roaring victory was once again proof of Campbell’s statement.
Make no mistake; this game was downright ugly at times. The Lions were outplayed by the Texans in the first half. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has struggled all year, started strong and had an impressive 66-yard drive with a touchdown to John Metchie III to give the Texans a 23-7 lead at the half. Stroud finished the game, completing 19 of 33 throws for 232 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. But between the two quarterbacks’ combined seven misfires, the game was starting to look like the “Interception Bowl.”
The Lions Defense Restored The Roar
Lions veteran cornerback Carlton Davis’ two interceptions marked the turning point in the Lions’ comeback. The interceptions sparked a resurgence for the Lions and gave the offense time to regain a rhythm.
As off-kilter as the offense looked at times, the Lions’ defense performed brilliantly and didn’t allow the Texans to score a single point in the second half. Led by Alim McNeill, the Detroit defense was credited with four sacks on Stroud. James Houston, Josh Paschal, and Pat O’Connor accounted for the other three sacks.
Currently leading the team with 69 tackles, Jack Campbell contributed four solo tackles and assisted on several others. Following last week’s highly contested ejection, Brian Branch continued his outstanding season with six solo tackles and assisted on four others. He also pressured Stroud and defended two passes.
Why the Lions Needed An Ugly Win
As excruciating as it was to witness the offense’s struggles last night, the team needed to feel that pain. There were several games this season where the Lions were so dominant offensively that they were accused of running up the score against their opponents. The team scored 42 points against the Seahawks, 47 points against the Cowboys, and 52 points against the Titans. Scoring came almost too easily to this top-rated offense. They are confident in their ability to score at will. In the game against Dallas, the team scored on nine straight possessions.
However, Sunday night was a different story. Coming into this game as the overwhelming favorite, it looked embarrassing to be on the receiving end of five interceptions, a bumbling first half, and an inability to hang onto the ball. Goff struggled, and the offense stumbled. Nothing was going right. The Lions weren’t just looking at a loss; they were facing a humiliating collapse.
The team came out in the second half prepared to go to work. Davis got his first interception off Stroud. Things started to happen offensively, and then Goff threw a fourth pick. Still, the team hung in there and fought back. Davis snagged his second interception off Stroud. Then came Goff’s fifth interception. Things looked bleak for the Lions.
Lions Roar Back With Grit
But credit Goff and the team with having the conviction, intestinal fortitude, and resiliency to get knocked down, bounce back up and keep fighting. This is the “grit” that Campbell has preached throughout the season. Don’t get rattled. Be Patient. Don’t buckle under pressure. Just go out there and make things happen. One series at a time.
The defense kept providing opportunities, and finally, the offense began to gel. Goff made play after play. David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown. Amon-Ra St. Brown scored a touchdown that brought the Lions within three points. Another drive, and this time, it was up to the special teams unit. Jake Bates delivered his longest field goal of the year, clearing the goalpost from 58 yards away. Houston came right back, only to miss on a 59-yard field goal. The Lions came roaring back to win the game. As the clock wound down, Bates delivered another stunning 52-yard field goal.
An Ugly Win For the Lions Is Still A Win
The memory of how this team fought back and triumphed in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds will last. It will see them through the inevitable tough games as they continue their run to the Super Bowl. It’s a lasting reminder not to give up, no matter how brutal things might look. In beating Stroud and the Houston Texans Sunday night, the Lions overcame one of the NFL’s best teams. If this team continues to win even the ugliest of games as they have so far, there’s no stopping them.
Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
