HOUSTON — Following a disappointing 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took full responsibility for the team’s failure to maintain a 16-point halftime lead. He candidly stated, “This game is on me,” emphasizing the offense’s struggles that contributed to their second-half collapse.
Despite the Texans’ defense putting forth a remarkable performance by intercepting Lions quarterback Jared Goff five times, the team failed to capitalize on those turnovers. The Texans (6-4) became only the second team since 1933 to lose a game despite forcing five interceptions and holding a 15-point lead at halftime, a situation that has traditionally favored leading teams.
Stroud’s performance in the first half was strong, as he led the Texans to 23 points with 164 passing yards and one touchdown. However, the second half was a stark contrast as he managed only 68 passing yards and threw two costly interceptions, hindering the Texans’ ability to score. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed disappointment at the team’s inability to convert turnovers into points, stating, “We talked about being better in the second half. But to come out and turn the ball over… that’s not winning football.”
This loss marks a continuation of a troubling trend for the Texans, who have been outscored by 59 points in the second half this season. They have not scored a touchdown in the second half since a Week 6 win against the New England Patriots. Running back Joe Mixon noted the stinging nature of the defeat but insisted the team would remain resilient. “We are not going nowhere,” he stated, highlighting the team’s confidence in their capabilities moving forward.
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil echoed this sentiment, pointing to the need for offensive efficiency. “In the first half, we were clicking on all cylinders… in the second half, we take our foot off the pedal, and that’s something we can’t do if we want to be a championship football team.”
Despite the frustration stemming from this loss, the Texans remain optimistic. With shared responsibility and recognition of their potential, there’s hope for improvement in the upcoming games. As the players rally together, they look to address these second-half challenges and emerge stronger as a cohesive unit. The team’s determination to adjust can serve as a catalyst for renewed success as they strive for a playoff berth this season.