The NFL is known for delivering heart-pounding games, and the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on November 10, 2024, was no exception. This Sunday Night Football clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Lions pulling off a dramatic 26-23 comeback victory against the Texans. Fans were treated to standout performances, critical plays, and a game that showcased the resilience and talent of both teams. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and provide an easy-to-read analysis of how the Lions and Texans battled it out. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, this breakdown is designed to be clear, engaging, and accessible to all ages.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The Detroit Lions, with an impressive 8-1 record, faced off against the Houston Texans, who stood at 6-4, in a game that tested both teams’ strengths. The Texans jumped out to a commanding 23-7 lead by halftime, capitalizing on early turnovers and strong offensive plays. However, the Lions roared back in the second half, shutting out Houston and scoring 19 unanswered points to secure the 26-23 win. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, defensive grit, and critical special teams contributions. Let’s dive into the player stats that defined this epic matchup, starting with the quarterbacks.
Quarterback Performances: Jared Goff vs. C.J. Stroud
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, had a challenging yet ultimately triumphant game. Despite throwing five interceptions, a career-high, Goff showed remarkable composure to lead his team to victory. His stats for the game were:
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Completions/Attempts: 15/30 (50% completion rate)
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Passing Yards: 240
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Touchdowns: 2
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Interceptions: 5
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Quarterback Rating: 59.7
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Rushing: 1 carry for 2 yards
Goff’s first half was rough, with three interceptions, including one tipped at the line by Jalen Pitre and caught by Jimmie Ward, and another by Kamari Lassiter to close out the half. However, he turned things around in the second half, connecting with tight end Sam LaPorta for a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter and a 9-yard touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth. His ability to stay focused under pressure was evident as he led a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter, setting up Jake Bates’ 58-yard field goal, and then orchestrated a final drive for the game-winning 52-yard field goal at the buzzer. Despite the turnovers, Goff’s clutch performance in the clutch moments was pivotal.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
On the other side, Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a solid performance but couldn’t maintain the early momentum. His stats included:
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Completions/Attempts: 19/33 (57.6% completion rate)
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Passing Yards: 232
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Touchdowns: 1
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Interceptions: 2
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Quarterback Rating: 64.2
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Rushing: 1 carry for 5 yards
Stroud started strong, leading an opening drive that ended with an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Joe Mixon. He also threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie III late in the second quarter, helping Houston build a 23-7 lead. However, Stroud’s two interceptions in the third quarter, both to Lions’ cornerback Carlton Davis III, stalled the Texans’ offense. Despite his efficiency in the first half, completing 5 consecutive passes at one point, Stroud struggled to find rhythm in the second half as the Lions’ defense tightened up.
Rushing Stats: Ground Game Struggles and Standouts
Detroit Lions Rushing
The Lions’ rushing attack was steady but not spectacular, totaling 105 yards on 32 attempts (3.3 yards per carry). Key contributors included:
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Jahmyr Gibbs: 19 carries, 71 yards, 0 touchdowns, longest run 20 yards
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David Montgomery: 12 carries, 32 yards, 1 touchdown (3-yard run in the third quarter)
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Jared Goff: 1 carry, 2 yards
Gibbs was the workhorse, consistently gaining tough yards and providing balance to the Lions’ offense. Montgomery’s 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was a critical moment, cutting the Texans’ lead to 23-13, although the two-point conversion attempt failed. The Lions’ ability to control the clock in the second half, with 27:32 of possession time, was aided by their ground game.
Houston Texans Rushing
The Texans struggled on the ground, managing just 56 yards on 28 attempts (2.0 yards per carry). Their rushing stats were:
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Joe Mixon: 25 carries, 46 yards, 1 touchdown (8-yard run in the first quarter)
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Dare Ogunbowale: 1 carry, 11 yards
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C.J. Stroud: 1 carry, 5 yards
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Tank Dell: 1 carry, -6 yards
Mixon was the focal point of Houston’s rushing attack, but the Lions’ defensive front, led by Alim McNeill and Josh Paschal, limited his effectiveness. His 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave Houston an early 7-0 lead, but the Texans’ run game fizzled out as the game progressed, particularly in the second half when they failed to score.
Receiving Stats: Key Targets Shine
Detroit Lions Receiving
The Lions’ passing game leaned heavily on their top playmakers, with tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way:
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Sam LaPorta: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 66 yards, 1 touchdown (20-yard TD in the second quarter)
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Amon-Ra St. Brown: 8 targets, 6 receptions, 60 yards, 1 touchdown (9-yard TD in the fourth quarter)
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Jameson Williams: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 53 yards
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Jahmyr Gibbs: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 37 yards
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David Montgomery: 2 targets, 1 reception, 24 yards
LaPorta’s 20-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter got the Lions on the board, and his 37-yard reception in the third quarter set up Montgomery’s score. St. Brown’s 9-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, bringing the Lions within three points at 23-20. The Lions’ receivers made crucial plays despite Goff’s interceptions, showcasing their ability to make contested catches and move the chains.
Houston Texans Receiving
The Texans’ receiving corps was led by John Metchie III and tight end Dalton Schultz:
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John Metchie III: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 74 yards, 1 touchdown (15-yard TD in the second quarter)
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Dalton Schultz: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 66 yards
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Joe Mixon: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 44 yards
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Tank Dell: 9 targets, 5 receptions, 39 yards
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Xavier Hutchinson: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 6 yards
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Cade Stover: 2 targets, 1 reception, 2 yards
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Robert Woods: 3 targets, 1 reception, 1 yard
Metchie III was Stroud’s go-to target, with his 15-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter giving Houston a 23-7 lead. Schultz and Mixon provided reliable options, but the Texans’ passing game struggled in the second half as the Lions’ secondary, particularly Carlton Davis III, locked down key receivers.
Defensive Standouts: Turnovers Tell the Story
Detroit Lions Defense
The Lions’ defense was the backbone of their comeback, forcing two interceptions and shutting out the Texans in the second half. Key performers included:
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Brian Branch: 10 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss
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Jack Campbell: 7 tackles (5 solo)
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Alim McNeill: 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss
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Josh Paschal: 5 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss
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Carlton Davis III: 4 tackles (4 solo), 2 interceptions
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Alex Anzalone: 5 tackles (4 solo)
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Amik Robertson: 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 tackle for loss
Davis III’s two interceptions in the third quarter were game-changers, halting Houston’s momentum and giving the Lions’ offense short fields to work with. McNeill and Paschal’s pressure on Stroud, including a combined two sacks, disrupted the Texans’ rhythm. The Lions’ defense also limited Houston to just 56 rushing yards, showcasing their strength against the run.
Houston Texans Defense
The Texans’ defense was dominant in the first half, forcing five interceptions from Goff, but couldn’t close out the game. Standout performers included:
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Azeez Al-Shaair: 9 tackles (5 solo), 2 tackles for loss
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Danielle Hunter: 7 tackles (5 solo)
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Henry To’oTo’o: 7 tackles (3 solo), 1 interception
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Jimmie Ward: 5 tackles (4 solo), 1 interception
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Kamari Lassiter: 1 tackle (1 solo), 2 interceptions
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Calen Bullock: 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 interception
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Jalen Pitre: 4 tackles (2 solo)
The Texans’ secondary feasted early, with Lassiter’s two interceptions and Ward, To’oTo’o, and Bullock each adding one. However, their inability to generate sacks (zero recorded) allowed Goff to settle in during the second half. The defense also struggled to stop the Lions’ late drives, particularly in the red zone, where Detroit converted 2 of 3 opportunities.
Special Teams: The Difference Makers
Detroit Lions Special Teams
The Lions’ special teams unit played a crucial role in the victory, with kicker Jake Bates delivering under pressure:
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Jake Bates: 2/2 field goals (58 yards, 52 yards), 2/2 extra points
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Jack Fox (Punter): 4 punts, 188 yards, 1 inside 20, longest 60 yards
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Kalif Raymond (Punt Returns): 3 returns, 15 yards, longest 14 yards
Bates’ 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter tied the game at 23-23, and his 52-yard kick as time expired sealed the win. Fox’s punting kept Houston pinned back, with one punt landing inside the 20-yard line.
Houston Texans Special Teams
The Texans’ special teams were solid but couldn’t match Bates’ heroics:
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Ka’imi Fairbairn: 3/4 field goals (34 yards, 56 yards, 29 yards; missed 58-yarder), 2/2 extra points
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Tommy Townsend (Punter): 5 punts, 275 yards, 2 inside 20, longest 62 yards
Fairbairn’s three field goals kept Houston ahead early, but his missed 58-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter gave the Lions the ball back for their game-winning drive. Townsend’s punting was effective, but it wasn’t enough to swing the game in Houston’s favor.
Game Summary: How the Lions Pulled It Off
The game began with Houston striking first after Goff’s interception led to Mixon’s 8-yard touchdown run. Fairbairn added a 34-yard field goal to make it 10-0 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, LaPorta’s 20-yard touchdown catch gave the Lions life, but Houston responded with two more Fairbairn field goals (56 and 29 yards) and Metchie III’s 15-yard touchdown catch, leading 23-7 at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams trade interceptions, with Davis III picking off Stroud twice and Lassiter and Bullock intercepting Goff. Montgomery’s 3-yard touchdown run cut the deficit to 23-13, but a failed two-point attempt kept the Lions trailing. In the fourth quarter, St. Brown’s 9-yard touchdown catch made it 23-20, and Bates’ 58-yard field goal tied the game. After Fairbairn’s missed 58-yarder, the Lions capitalized with a quick drive, setting up Bates’ game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired.
Key Takeaways and What’s Next Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
This game highlighted the Lions’ resilience, overcoming a 16-point halftime deficit and five turnovers to secure the win. Their defense stepped up in the second half, and Bates’ clutch kicking proved decisive. For the Texans, early dominance wasn’t enough, as their offense stalled and their defense couldn’t stop the Lions’ late surge.
For the Lions (8-1), this victory solidified their position atop the NFC North, showcasing their ability to win in tough road environments. The Texans (6-4) remain competitive in the AFC South but will need to address their second-half struggles to maintain their divisional lead.
Why This Game Matters for Fans
For fans of all ages, this game was a reminder of why we love NFL football: unpredictable twists, standout performances, and moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re cheering for the Lions’ gritty comeback or marveling at the Texans’ early dominance, the player stats tell the story of a game filled with drama and excitement. From Goff’s redemption to Bates’ heroics and Davis III’s defensive prowess, this matchup had it all.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on November 10, 2024, was a classic NFL battle that showcased the best of both teams. With 345 total yards for the Lions and 248 for the Texans, the stats reflect a hard-fought contest where every play mattered. Whether you’re analyzing Jared Goff’s 240 passing yards, Joe Mixon’s touchdown run, or Jake Bates’ game-winning kick, this game provided plenty of highlights for football fans to dissect. As both teams move forward in the 2024/25 season, this matchup will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in their respective journeys. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to shape the NFL landscape