DRAMA & TAKEAWAYS
A rough second half by the Texans enabled Detroit to stay hot in the win column and break Houston's hearts 26-23.
The night was filled with drama and takeaways. Houston picked off Jared Goff five times and somehow came away with a loss that had some folks in the media ridiculously claiming it was a top three defeat in the history of the franchise.
I have seen every single one personally, and I can tell you what while this one is excruciating, it pales in comparison to the 'worst ever.'
BETTER SECOND HALF FOOTBALL
It is, however, a great indicator that the Texans absolutely have to play better second half football if they are going to come close to accomplishing their goals.
Blown halftime leads in the last two games have sent the opponents' fans to the network postgame show sets to revel in their wins. Houston is getting outscored after intermission 141-82 and DeMeco Ryans knows that has to start correcting itself ASAP.
Sunday night saw some great moments before the break. Two TDs were scored, courtesy of Joe Mixon and a gorgeous C.J. Stroud to John Metchie III pass. Ka'imi Fairbairn added three field goals, including his 11th 50+ yarder, which tied an NFL single season record.
But after halftime, the offense evaporated with two picks and a missed field goal from 58 yards that would have given the team the lead. The defense was on the field a lot in the third and fourth quarters and had their hands full with a Lions offense that heated up.
GET READY FOR DALLAS
Yes, it's a heartbreaker. But the Texans need to get amnesia and ready themselves for a desperate Dallas team in a third consecutive prime time game.
All four AFC South teams lost this weekend. That means the Texans remain atop the divison by two games, with a tie-breaker over second place Indy. They'll play the Titans and Jags after the Cowboys. There's actually a chance to clinch early and make sure everyone is 100% for a postseason run.
I know what you're thinking – 'How can he talk about this while I'm still bumming over what happened against the Lions?'
Because that's how the team has to think. They can't dwell. They certainly need to correct their mistakes. But the really important games, the ones that will ultimately define 2024, have yet to be played.
Seven games remain. And the stretch begins with a rare trip to Arlington for Monday Night Football in Week 11.
