The Houston Texans are gearing up for a challenging Sunday night game against the Detroit Lions, who currently lead the AFC with a 7-1 record. Following a tough loss to the New York Jets in Week 9, the Texans (now 6-3) are still at the top of their division but face a crucial test as they look to secure a win before their schedule intensifies. Here are three key strategies the Texans will need to focus on to pull off a victory against the Lions.
1. Contain Jahmyr Gibbs
One of the Texans’ primary defensive tasks will be containing Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs, whose explosive plays have been a focal point in Detroit’s offense. Gibbs has accumulated 656 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, including two standout performances over 100 yards. Additionally, Gibbs is a dual-threat, contributing to the passing game with 20 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown. With his ability to break away for big gains, Gibbs poses a major challenge to the Texans’ interior defensive line, which will need strong performances from Tim Settle Jr. and Foley Fatukasi. The Texans must keep Gibbs in check to prevent him from gaining significant yardage on the ground and through the air.
2. Control the Time of Possession
Another critical factor for the Texans will be maintaining control of the game’s pace. Houston leads the league in time of possession, averaging 33 minutes per game, and will need to sustain long drives to limit Detroit’s offensive opportunities. The Lions, who average 32.3 points per game, can score quickly and efficiently, making it essential for the Texans to keep their own offense on the field. Establishing the run game with Joe Mixon—who has been in excellent form this season—will be crucial. By dominating the time of possession, Houston can keep the Lions’ high-powered offense off the field, putting less pressure on their defense and increasing their chances of success.
3. Get the Pass Rush Going Early
The Texans’ pass rush has been one of their biggest strengths this season, led by standout Will Anderson, who has recorded 7.5 sacks. As a team, Houston’s defense has tallied 29 sacks, a figure they’ll aim to increase against Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff. This season, Goff has had an average of 2.4 seconds to release the ball and has been sacked 18 times, indicating that a solid pass rush can disrupt his timing. However, the Lions have strong tackles in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, so the Texans’ defensive front will need to bring their A-game to break through Detroit’s offensive line. Generating early pressure on Goff will be vital to keeping the Lions’ passing game in check and forcing potential mistakes.
As the Texans take on a formidable opponent in the Lions, executing these three strategies could be the difference-maker in what is set to be an intense showdown.
