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Lions scratch out 26-23 win over Texans with dramatic second-half comeback

It wasn’t a pretty performance throughout, but the Lions fought from self-inflicted mistakes to stage a 16-point comeback and stun the Texans in a 26-23 victory on Sunday night. The win gives Detroit their seventh straight this season as they remain the only team in the NFL with just one loss.

▶ Full game story: Clawing back: Lions erase second-half deficit, beat Texans on Bates’ late FG

It was first-year kicker Jake Bates, who wasn’t even on any football roster a year before, who snuck in two straight field goals from over 50 yards in the final minutes to give the Lions the win. This was despite an off-night from Jared Goff, who threw five interceptions on the night while completing only 50% of his passes. Goff did throw two touchdown passes, including one to Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth quarter.

Detroit was down 23-7 after the first half as C.J. Stroud was en-route to a big night, but the QB threw two third quarter interceptions, both to Carlton Davis, as the Lions defense shutout the Texans for the entire second half. Houston was held to 56 total yards rushing and Stroud was sacked four different times, even with new acquisition Za’Darius Smith inactive for the game.

St. Brown finished with six receptions for 60 yards with his touchdown, with Sam LaPorta leading all receivers with 66 yards and a touchdown as well. Jahmyr Gibbs led on the ground with 71 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards, with David Montgomery adding 32 yards and a rushing TD.

Bates hits two clutch, narrow kicks, Lions comeback from 16 down to defeat Texans 26-23

Despite the third down stop, the Texans line up for a 58-yard field goal from Fairbairn, but the kick goes wide left. With four seconds left, the Lions set up Jake Bates for a 52-yard field goal, and he sneaks in another field goal for a 26-23 Lions victory. (End of game)

Just over five minutes remaining as the Texans start from their own 30. Mixon runs for four yards on first down, then the Lions pressure forces the incomplete pass to Metchie. It’s a big third-and-6 as the Lions bring the blitz, but Stroud finds Metchie for nine yards and a first down. Mixon gets another first down run for two yards, then Stroud finds Dell near the sideline for nine yards and another first down. Now at the Detroit 46, Mixon falls forward for four more yards, then gains two yards on the final play before the two minute warning.

Lions defense gets another stop, Bates hits 58-yard field goal to tie game at 23-23

Starting at their own 17, the Lions go to Gibbs on first down as he accelerates outside before getting ran out of bounds at the Detroit 32. On the next play, Goff finds St. Brown on the out route to make it second-and-1, as Gibbs yet again finds the speed for 20 yards and another first down. Now at the Houston 39, Gibbs gets another carry for six yards on first down, then gets the toss but is stopped for a 7-yard loss. Now it’s third-and-11 and the ball slips out of St. Brown’s hands, as Bates comes out for the 58-yard field goal. It just fits inside the right goalpost as the Lions tie the game up. (5:01)

Lions defense looks to get one more stop, as they’ve kept this Houston offense at bay so far in this second half. They get pressure on Stroud but he somehow finds Schultz for a 17-yard reception and a first down. Now at their own 47 for first down, Mixon gains nothing on first down then Stover is called for offsides to make it second-and-15. Stroud scrambles ahead for five yards, then on third down the pocket collapses and he’s sacked by Josh Paschal. Stroud fumbles the ball while falling down but the Texans recover, as they punt the ball back to the Lions. (8:21)

Lions defense gets another stop, St. Brown’s TD brings Lions within range in 23-20 deficit

Goff throws it short to Montgomery on first down, then finally finds St. Brown for his third catch of the night to make it third-and-1. Montgomery rumbles ahead for a tough yard to move the chains, then gains four yards on the next play. Now it’s second-and-6 and the Lions call play action, with Goff throwing it to Williams who gets sandwiched by two defenders as Goff was hit on the helmet but no penalty was called. Montgomery takes the first down screen pass and runs hard for 24 yards to make it first-and-goal, with another screen pass to St. Brown who takes it all the way for a 9-yard touchdown. The extra point is good despite the bad snap and the Lions have made it a game. (11:38)

(Start of 4th Quarter) It’s third-and-9 for the Texans on the first play of the fourth quarter, as Branch makes another big defensive play by swatting the ball away from Hutchinson. Tommy Townsend punts it to the Detroit 36 as Raymond makes the fair catch. (14:48)

Goff and Stroud combine for four interceptions in third quarter, Lions trail 23-13 entering final quarter

From their own 9, Stroud’s pass to Stover is broken up by Campbell on first down. The screen pass to Woods is stopped by Branch on the final play of the third quarter. (End of 3rd Quarter)

After the penalty, Lions start from their own 10. Gibbs is hawked down from behind by Devin White for a 1-yard gain, then Goff throws a pass to St. Brown in the dirt. On third-and-9, Gibbs catches a screen pass and has plenty of room to run on a 33-yard gain. Now at their own 44, Gibbs is stopped on an outside run by Hunter for no gain, then on second down Gibbs gains three to make it third-and-6. The Lions run it with Montgomery to create a fourth-and-short opportunity, but he’s stopped well short of the marker as the Lions punt it away. (24 seconds left)

Starting from their own 22 after the turnover, Mixon gains nine total yards on two straight runs to create third-and-1, as Mixon catches the toss for two yards and a first down. Mixon gets tackled by Davis who takes a while to get up, as a holding penalty takes Houston back. After Davis is helped off the field, it’s first-and-20 as McNeill gets the sack on Stroud but he has to walk to the sideline after the play. Mixon gains four yards on second-and-30, then Houston stops a draw run from Dare Ogunbowale to force the punt. An illegal block in the back penalty follows the punt return from Raymond. (3:51)

Gibbs gets the lead block from Penei Sewell and takes it down the sideline but steps out of bounds for 12 yards and a first down, as Lassiter takes a big hit from a teammate and has to be helped off the field. Goff wants Williams deep but throws another interception, this time to Calen Bullock. That’s Goff’s fifth interception, the most any quarterback has thrown this year, and the seventh interception in this game. (8:18)

Lions defense looks for a quick stop, as they stuff Mixon on back-to-back plays to make it third-and-8. They send the blitz but Stroud finds a wide-open Schultz for a 32-yard play. After Mixon runs for six yards on first down, Stroud throws a late ball to a wide-open Dell as Davis makes another interception, this time in the end zone as the Lions will start from their own 20 after the TV timeout. (8:55)

Lions get back into end zone, LaPorta’s big catch sets up Montgomery TD run as Lions trail 23-13

Goff and the Lions try to find their rhythm with plenty of time left in this contest. Montgomery spins away from defenders and somehow gains four yards on first down as Folorunso Fatukasi is down on the turf for an injury timeout. After the timeout, Goff goes play action and finds LaPorta deep for a big 37-yard reception. That leads to Montgomery storming ahead for a 3-yard touchdown run as Dan Campbell signals for the two-point conversion. It’s a handoff to Montgomery who is stopped short but the Lions cut it to a two-score game. (11:34)

Texans start on their own 1-yard line after the interception, as Mixon is tackled by former Texan DJ Reader for a 1-yard gain. Stroud throws two consecutive incompletions down the middle to force a Texans punt deep in their end zone. Raymond makes the catch and returns it to the Houston 44. (12:44)

(Start of 3rd Quarter) Texans start with the ball for the second half. Stroud throws it on first down and Davis makes the diving interception on a pass intended for Dell as replay confirms the turnover. Just like that, the Lions have great field position for the first time tonight as Montgomery has his best run so far for 12 yards and a first down. The Texans stop him for a loss on the next play, then Goff misses LaPorta and throws it right to Lassiter for his fourth interception tonight. (13:38)

Lions offense continues to stall, Texans score last-minute touchdown to go up 23-7 at halftime

Stroud starts with a quick pass to Metchie for nine yards, then Metchie gets a huge catch down the middle for a big 25-yard gain as the Texans use their final timeout with 29 seconds remaining. Stroud’s rolling as he finds Dalton Schultz on an impressive pass near the sideline as time stops with 25 seconds left. It’s first-and-10 at the Detroit 15 as Stroud throws it away, then Dell drops the reception near the sidelines on second down. Texans go to the end zone, as Metchie makes the catch over Arnold for his first NFL touchdown. Extra point is good as the Texans take a commanding 23-7 lead. Goff finds St. Brown for a quick 15 yards, then Goff throws a Hail Mary interception to Kamari Lassiter to end the half.(End of 1st Half)

It seems like the Lions are trying to drain this clock down, as Gibbs gets two consecutive carries for two total yards before the Texans use their second timeout with 1:09 remaining. It’s third-and-8 as Goff is hit for an incompletion and another quick three-and-out for this Lions offense. Fox boots it deep to Sims, who makes a good return to the Houston 34. (0:54)

It’s first-and-10 as Pat O’Conner gets to Stroud for the 12-yard sack, then linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell stuff Mixon for a yard gain. Stroud throws a quick screen pass to Hutchinson, but Arnold and Amik Robertson combine for the tackle for a loss of four yards on the final play before the two minute warning. Texans punt for the first time tonight to Kalif Raymond, but he is met by Ka’dar Hollman for a loss of a yard. (1:51)

Goff and the Lions look to regain their rhythm after two turnovers in the first half, but they can’t get anything going on the ground as Montgomery is stopped for two yards on first down. The screen pass to LaPorta is broken up by Pitre on second down, then Goff can’t connect with St. Brown for a quick three-and-out as Sims gets lit up by Sione Vaki on the punt return. Houston will start on their own 34. (3:15)

Goff throws another interception, Texans hit another field goal to go up 16-7

It’s another great starting field position for the Texans, but the first down screen pass to Dell is shut down by Branch. Stroud and Hutchinson connect for 10 yards and a first down, then Mixon gets back-to-back touches for 16 total yards to move the chains again. After Mixon gains nothing on a first down run, Al-Quadin Muhammad forces the incompletion to create third-and-10. Stroud runs from the pressure but can’t connect with Robert Woods in the back of the end zone on third down. The Lions defense forces another field goal, which is an easy 29-yarder for Fairbairn. (4:07)

After another touchback, Montgomery gains nothing on a first down run, then Goff throws an incomplete pass on second down but Danielle Hunter is called for illegal hands to the face for the first down. Goff drops back on first down, but Denico Autry hits Goff from behind as the pass is intercepted by Henry To’oTo’o for Goff’s second interception of the night. (7:34)

Arnold’s pass interference penalty leads to Texans’ 56-yard field goal, Texans extend lead to 13-7

Texans start this drive from their own 30 after the touchback, as Dell loses six yards on first down. Stroud goes deep to Xavier Hutchinson on second down, but Terrion Arnold makes contact too quick and is called for pass interference. It’s a 41-yard penalty that moves to the Texans to the Detroit 35, as Mixon gains nothing on the first play then Branch breaks up the pass to Dell on second down. Mixon gets the third down carry but Alim McNeill stuffs him for a 3-yard loss. Fairbairn comes out and easily makes the 56-yard field goal attempt. (8:25)

Goff and LaPorta connect for touchdown, Lions trail 10-7 early in second quarter

(Start of 2nd Quarter) Lions start this quarter with another Gibbs run, this time for no gain. On third-and-6, Goff throws another fastball under pressure to Williams for 13 yards and another third down conversion. Gibbs gets back-to-back carries for nine total yards for a third-and-short opportunity, with Goff in the empty formation as he finds room to run for the first down. Gibbs gets the first down carry for five yards, then on second down Goff rolls out and finds LaPorta for the 20-yard touchdown. The extra point from Jake Bates is true and the Lions offense strikes back. (10:52)

Lions offense starts slow, Texans take 10-0 lead after first quarter

Lions start at their own 30 as Goff gets pressured on first down and has to throw it away. Gibbs tries to make some moves on second down, but sees nothing but a sea of red jerseys that take him down for a loss of six. Now it’s third-and-16, as Williams bobbles it but makes the catch for 23 yards and a first down. Goff continues to throw on first down, this time to Gibbs for four yards for the last play of the quarter. (End of 1st Quarter)

Another Lions drive stalls, Texans hit field goal, extends lead to 10-0

Stroud and Dell connect for back-to-back receptions of eight yards and a Texans first down. On the next play, Mixon gets wrapped up by Carlton Davis for a yard gain, then gets a screen pass and runs away from the Lions defense for a gain of 36 yards. On first-and-goal at the Detroit 3, Mixon gets closer to the goal line but a holding penalty sets the Texans back. They run it with Mixon again for two yards as offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil walks to the sideline. Stroud gets pressured on second down and throws it away for his first incompletion, then gets sacked by James Houston on third down which leads to Ka’imi Fairbairn hitting the 34-yard field goal. (2:09)

After another touchback, Montgomery gets the first down carry for no gain. On second down, Goff goes deep to Jameson Williams but the ball is almost intercepted by Derek Stingley for an incompletion. After a delay of game penalty, Goff has to dump it down to Sam LaPorta for nine yards as the Lions punt. Jack Fox punts it 40 yards to Steven Sims, who hits a hole before being stopped at the Houston 43. (6:22)

Goff throws first interception in weeks, Texans take advantage to gain early 7-0 lead

The Texans start out in great field position, as Joe Mixon takes his first carry for two yards on first down, then Mixon gets shut down outside by Brian Branch for a 2-yard loss. That makes it third-and-10, where C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell connect for 13 yards and a first down. Mixon gets another 2-yard gain on first down, then again loses big yards as a pride of Lions defenders take him down for an 8-yard loss. It’s third-and-16 as Stroud steps up and finds John Metchie who gets enough for another first down conversion. Stroud throws it quick to Cade Stover for two yards on first-and-goal as Houston uses their first timeout with 7:50 remaining. After the timeout, Mixon gets a toss and runs outside for the touchdown. The extra point is good and the Texans strike first and early. (7:46)

(Start of 1st Quarter) Dan Skipper is making the start at left tackle with Taylor Decker injured. It’s first-and-10 from their own 30 as Jared Goff throws it in the dirt, then Jahmyr Gibbs runs inside for five yards. On third-and-5, the Lions hurry to the line as Goff throws a shovel pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown for seven yards and a first down. Now at their own 42, it’s David Montgomery getting the first down carry for four yards, then a Jameson Williams catch is negated by an ineligible receiver penalty on Kevin Zeitler. On second-and-11, Goff’s pass to Gibbs is deflected by Jalen Pitre, then intercepted by Jimmie Ward. Houston takes over at the Detroit 33. (12:55)

Kickoff

The Lions are headlining Sunday night again, this time on the road against the Texans. Houston’s debuting their “battle red” uniforms to clash with Detroit’s all-white road uniforms, the second straight game they’ve used this set. Lions won the toss and decided to receive the ball, as the kickoff results in a touchback.

Preview

Now sitting atop the NFC, the Lions look to show why they’re one of the best teams in the NFL in a Sunday night showdown against the Houston Texans.

This is the second “Sunday Night Football” appearance for both teams this year. The Lions have made themselves comfortable in primetime slots this year, winning all four of their appearances on late Sunday afternoon, Sunday nights and Monday nights.

After defeating division rival Green Bay 24-14 last week, Detroit is looking to extend its six-game winning streak, the team’s longest since 2011. The Lions will get back Jameson Williams from a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PES policy and they’re hopeful new acquisition Za’Darius Smith can be available to bolster the pass rush.

The Texans, led by second-year QB C.J. Stroud, have lost two of their last three games after starting 5-1. Stroud’s only thrown one touchdown pass the last three games while dealing with injuries to his receivers; Nico Collins (Michigan) is returning from injured reserve, and Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) is out for the year.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Kameron Goodwill.

Lions at Texans

▶ Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. Sunday, NRG Stadium, Houston

▶ TV/radio: NBC/97.1 FM

▶ Records: Lions 7-1, Texans 6-3

▶ Line: Lions by 3½

▶ Series history: Texans lead series 4-1 (Last meeting: Nov. 26, 2020 — Texans 41, (at) Lions 25)

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