NFL
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Texans once again found themselves on the wrong side of victory on Sunday Night Football, blowing a 16-point lead to the Detroit Lions and losing 26-23. This marks the second time this season the Texans have blown a double-digit lead, raising concerns: are they playing not to lose and thereby costing themselves their intended goal…wins.
The Texans dominated the first half, intercepting Lions quarterback Jared Goff five times and taking a 23-7 lead into halftime. However, the second half was a different story. Goff and the Lions offense found their rhythm, while the Texans offense stalled, committing crucial turnovers and failing to capitalize on their early momentum.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his disappointment after the game, stating, “We didn’t make plays to win the game.” Ryans said. “To win games guys have to step up and make plays and that’s not happening.”
The Texans’ offensive struggles were evident throughout the second half. Star running back Joe Mixon, who had a strong first half, was largely ineffective in the second half as the Lions defense adjusted to Houston’s offensive scheme. “That’s a game we should have had…Obviously it slipped” Mixon said after the game. “We gotta stop playing to not lose and go play to win.”
OC Bobby Slowik’s play calling has somehow escaped scrutiny, partly because QB CJ Stroud continued to take responsibility for the losses following the game, acknowledging that he needs to play better in crucial moments. “I blame this game on me,” Stroud said. I’ve got to be better in these moments. When the defense is getting turnovers like they did, we’ve got to be able to reward them with points.”
In addition to questionable play calling, the Texans’ inability to close out games has become a recurring theme this season. They have now lost three of their last four games, with each loss coming after leading at some point. This pattern raises questions about the team’s mentality and whether they are playing to win or simply to avoid losing.
As the Texans head into the second half of the season, they must find a way to overcome their second-half struggles and finish games strong. We’ll see if they can figure things out during week 11 when they visit the Dallas Cowboys for Monday Night Football.
All things considered, the Texans, fortunately for them, still hold a 2-game lead over the 2nd-place Indianapolis Colts, a 3.5-game lead over the Tennessee Titans, and a 4-game lead over the last-place Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.
