The Houston Texans made history for all the wrong reasons on Sunday night at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.
Even with a five-takeaway game and a 16-point first-half lead, the Texans allowed the Lions to work their way back en route to a 26-23 victory thanks to a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Jake Bates.
The Texans became the second team since 1970 to lose in a game where the opposing quarterback throws five interceptions while holding a 15-point first-half lead.
So, who is to blame for the blunders? C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone that would have gone for a touchdown pass to Tank Dell.
The defense allowed three total scoring drives, including two in the second half.
The usually accurate Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 53-yard attempt just before the Lions marched down the field to set up Bates’ game-winner.
Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms offered a bit of insight into the lackluster second half, noting Houston’s issues are primarily play-calling based.
Unbelievable breakdown: @CSimmsQB on Stroud and Texans:
“It’s the Shanahan scheme but it’s like early, entry-level Shanahan. There needs to be more to it…we’ve yet to see that.”
“Defenses have figured out how to expose them on how they block certain looks and trick them.” pic.twitter.com/xIWgb5Vt4U
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) November 12, 2024
“It’s a bigger problem than C.J. Stroud. He’s not perfect, but C.J. Stroud is still pretty damn good,” Simms told ESPN’s Kevin Clark. “It’s the second year of [offensive coordinator] Bobby Slowik’s scheme, and I do think people have caught on to that.“
Slowik has received ample criticism for his play-calling over the past five games. Houston hasn’t scored a touchdown in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.
That’s eight quarters and counting entering Monday night’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Simms criticized Slowik’s play design, stating that while he comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, it’s more as if the second-year coordinator is trying to mirror his mentor.
“It’s the Shanahan scheme, but it’s like the early, entry-level of the Shanahan scheme,” Simms said. “Now there needs to be more to it and a next level and a next group of plays.”
While the Texans need a switch-up, moving off Slowik’s play-calling might be a reach at the moment. Houston’s been without its top two receivers, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, since Week 8.
Collins, who was activated off the injured reserve earlier this week, is expected to return for Monday’s outing in Arlington, thus adding more upside to the passing game for Stroud and his fellow receivers.
Playing against an underwhelming opponent also helps. The Cowboys (3-6) enter Week 11 without starting quarterback Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dallas’ offense also ranks 30th in scoring and 19th in total defense.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ESPN and ABC.
