Official Texans @ Lions Game Thread, 11/22/2012

[Arky]

The 9-1 Texans travel to the Motor City this Thursday to play their first ever Thanksgiving Day game against the 4-6 Lions. After the 43-37 victory over the Jaguars on Sunday, suddenly, the Texan secondary looks like the weakest link on the team. Glover Quin speaks (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/0ap2000000098194/Texans-Glover-Quin-discusses-Texans-big-Week-11-victory) on this. CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) as well as DT Shaun Cody (ribs) are currently listed as game-time decisions. "Questionable" are G Wade Smith (ribs) and WR DeVier Posey (knee, hamstring). RB Ben Tate has "got a good chance" to return to action.

The Lions are coming off a close loss to the Packers, 24-20. Lions QB Matt Stafford was 17/39 for 266 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT's. Stafford's favorite target WR Calvin Johnson had 5 catches for 143 yards (28.6 avg.). Other receivers to keep an eye on are WR Ryan Broyles, TE Brandon Pettigrew and RB's Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell. WR Titus Young reportedly (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8655372) will sit this one out for disciplinary reasons. WR Nate Burleson is out for the year with a broken leg. S Louis Delmas (knee) has begun practicing again after missing the last three games. OT Jeff Backus (hamstring) and CB Drayton Florence (concussion) are currently listed as questionable.

The Lions are desperate for a win, the Texans not so much. That said, there's a saying in betting circles - if you need to win, you are not very good to begin with....

TV = CBS (Channel 11 local), 11:30 am CST Thursday

Announcers = (probably) Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 3 to 4

(I'll be over at the mom's house for T-giving and will try to drop in to this thread - if anybody wants to log the live game action, go right ahead...)

[Nconroe]

I'm expecting another exciting game.

Perhaps the pass defense will step up, but for sure tested.

I will be at Mom's house as well for Thursday.

Hope JJo heals up soon.

[nunusguy]

The road team is always at a disadvantage which is usually calculated to be about 3 to 4 points, but for a game being played 3 full days earlier than is the normal interval between games where the turnaround is so much shorter the home field advantage has to certainly represent even more than the normal margin ? And on top of that the Texans played a game that was about 25 % longer in duration than the Lions did Sunday, so another advantage for Detroit.
On the positive side, this is another interconference game so not as important in determining tiebreakers come the playoffs as conference games are. But any way you cut it, this game ain't gonna be easy.

[WMH]

Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) tweeted:
While I was flying/napping, Wade Phillips announced ILB Darryl Sharpton will start against the Lions for a banged up Dobbins.#Texans

[HPF Bob]

Wouldn't surprise me if Texans have an off day. Lions are tougher at home but they have no running game so they often have to play from behind. If we can get the running game cranked up, we may be able to shorten the game which will help a weary defense.

[chuck]

Wouldn't surprise me if Texans have an off day. Lions are tougher at home but they have no running game so they often have to play from behind. If we can get the running game cranked up, we may be able to shorten the game which will help a weary defense.

I've got a not so great feeling about this one, too.

[barrett]

91 hours between the end of the Jacksonville game and kickoff across country in Detroit. Brutal scheduling. I don't know why the nfl doesn't us bye weeks before the Thursday games.

[painekiller]

91 hours between the end of the Jacksonville game and kickoff across country in Detroit. Brutal scheduling. I don't know why the nfl doesn't us bye weeks before the Thursday games.

I agree. One problem is they do not have bye weeks throughout the season and they have thursday games every week now.

[nunusguy]

Wouldn't surprise me if Texans have an off day.
You mean like the one they had Sunday in Reliant ?
But reading the reports, comments by the Texans' players many seem excited and even privileged to be playing in the Turkey-Day game for the first time in their lives, a game several of them recall watching with their families on Thanksgiving at home when they were younger long before they got into pro ball. So perhaps they will have an adrenaline shot to get them started at kickoff, but look for the fatigue to set in quicker because of Sundays marathon.

[Nconroe]

For Texans JJo, Cody, and Tate are out. For Detroit 12 year left tackle Backus is out.

Hoping we get a strong pass rush today.

Wondering if we will see Texans in more 4 and 5 wide sets as last week?

Go Texans.

[HPF Bob]

After an initial sack by Watt, the Lions march down the field converting third down before a TD run for a 7-0 lead on the opening drive.

JJo is out so the Lions are hoping to take advantage while Wade Phillips goes to safer coverage schemes. Watching Calvin Johnson lined up against Allan Ball doesn't make me feel jolly.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

[Big Texas]

I understand that this game doesnt mean much...but that first defensive stand looked pretty similar to the Jaguars abuse of our secondary...

[HPF Bob]

The teams trade 3-and-outs with Houston taking over at the HOU 41.

It may be the Texans decided they'd rather give up this game to make sure JJo is healthy when we play the Patriots.

[HPF Bob]

Brooks Reed blows out a groin and gets to yelp an f-bomb on national tv. A short punt almost became Lions ball but instant replay was inconclusive. Texans do another 3-and-out (three total) and punt to the Lions 10.

[HPF Bob]

After their first quarter nap, the Texans offense comes to life. 37-yd pass to AJ, Forsett and Foster cut back runs and Foster takes it in from 7 yards out. 7-7 game early in the second quarter. You can tell Nance and Simms are trying to will a close game from the Lions instead of the usual Thanksgiving turkey.

[barrett]

Suh needs to be reigned in by the NFL. That kick wasn't extreme but he needs to learn you don't kick people in the nfl.

[HPF Bob]

Stafford hits Calvin Johnson three times then hits Pettigrew before connecting with Mike Thomas (former Jaguar) for the short touchdown. 14-7 Detroit. Six minutes until halftime. Ball had a chance for a pick in the end zone but dropped it.

[HPF Bob]

Texans answer with AJ's juggling catch and some short throws culminate in a 9-yd TD throw to OD into the end zone. 14-14 tie late in the second.

[barrett]

No pass rush and no JJ is trouble.

Not to mention we are now down 4 defensive starters. This is starting to cross over into long term concern.

[HPF Bob]

Two long throws get the Lions their third TD. Calvin Johnson leaps over Ball. Texans flub the final two minutes before it goes to Kid Rock and a long holiday halftime.

Houston 14
Detroit 21

[HPF Bob]

Texans do nothing on first possession of second half. Punt to the Lions who hold on the return.

[chuck]

That was hilarious. I can't bring myself to feel bad about it.

[HPF Bob]

Lions drive for a FG to make it 24-14 but now Forsett gallops to a long TD to pull Houston within 24-21.

[Arky]

Merry Christmas!

signed,
Jim Schwartz

[HPF Bob]

Texans force a three-and-out then move down the field with Graham booting a 45-yd FG to tie the score. It's 24-24 for the third tie of the day. 2 minutes left in the third quarter (or "corter" as Marc Vandemeer says).

[barrett]

Merry Christmas!

signed,
Jim Schwartz

That's what a hothead coach of a hothead team does. He's got at least a minute to throw that flag if it was a challenge situation. Instead he throws it in 4 seconds, without seeing a replay, without consulting his coaches upstairs, and in an illegal situation.

[HPF Bob]

The Lions roar back for a touchdown capped off with a 23-yd run. With the extra point, it's 31-24 Lions with 13 minutes in regulation. Could there be OT twice within five days? :eek:

[HPF Bob]

A timely sack leads to a short punt or Detroit might have gone up by two scores.

Still 31-24 Detroit in the fourth.

This is two straight games the Texans have allowed their opponents 30+ points.

[HPF Bob]

Another bad drive. I've got to go to a family thing now and miss the end. Maybe that will change their luck.

[Nconroe]

We are in overtime. Lions just completed 40 yd pass.

Looks like Manning forced a fumble covered by Sharpton.

Now any score by Texans wins.

[barrett]

Lets hope kubiak is losing faith in graham and on our next possession we keep moving the ball when we hit "FG" range.

[Nconroe]

Grahms 51 yarder wide left by a foot.

Mc Cain almost gets interception but ball hit the ground.

Detroit punt downed on 9 yard line

Lots of tired players.

[Nconroe]

Schaub throws int on Texans 40.

Stafford complete to 28.

FG range. 5:22 left in OT.

Hanson on for 47 yd attempt.

TO called by Houston.

Hit goal post, no good.

[barrett]

Lets see if kubs has learned. Keep throwing.

[barrett]

The perfect PA call proves kubs can learn.

[Nconroe]

Nice drive by Texans for first down on 11.

Texans to barely make FG for win 34-31.

Wow.

Two 4Q comebacks and OT wins in 5 days.

Now a 10 day rest , well deserved.

[barrett]

A healthy Jonathon Joseph is the most important thing to our defense. He has not been as good as Watt this year, but we can duplicate/replace what we get from Watt easier than what we get from Joseph. We really need him and AJ healthy in the playoffs.

With that said, I didn't think Alan Ball played bad (especially by Alan Ball standards). I just thought it was a dumb idea to have Ball follow CJ around the filed with little safety help. The 2nd half we abandoned that plan and gave up 10 points in 40+ minutes.

Our pass rush has been downright anemic at points this season. I was happy to see mercilous on the field even if he didn't do much more. He just seems to have the most ceiling of the edge guys. Plus it gives us a chance to see Braman at some point (a curiosity for me).

With that said I am sad to see Reed go down (and Dobbins and James). Our defense is wounded right now and needs all of these 10 days to rest up and get healthy. With that said, great job in OT by a banged up, wore down, tired group. When guys like Ruud and Ball make plays it makes you feel great about the level of coaching our guys receive. Even Brandon Harris got on the field and though I didn't notice him after that, that's good for a CB. I truly feel like any player we draft will succeed simply because of the way they'll be coached and supported.

[nunusguy]

10 -1. Better lucky than good !
What else is there to say but "Go Texans" !

[Keith]

Jim Schwartz deserves to be fired for this one. Too much talent on the Lions to be 4-7. Kinda reminds me of the Texans a couple years ago but on the other side of the coin when the team chose to retain a cooler-headed Gary Kubiak.

[barrett]

Schwartz is a fake tough guy, just like his team.

The funniest thing is that his fight with Harbaugh started last year when he yelled across the field that harbaugh didn't know the rules because he had thrown a challenge flag when it wasn't allowed.

[HPF Bob]

My DVR ran out so I missed everything past the first OT FG attempt. Watched the highlights.

I agree that JJo may be our defense's most important player. Anyone would have struggles against Calvin Johnson and Ball didn't do that badly given what we would have expected from him.

I think it is worth noting that the Jaguars and Lions are two of the most physical teams in the NFL and to play 10 quarters against them in five days is a tough grind. What you take away is that these are the sort of games that the Oilers and even some of the recent Texans ballclubs would have lost. The Texans are still good enough to win games they ought to lose. That's the mark of a champion.

I just hope they have enough healthy bodies left, particularly on defense, going into the final weeks of the season.

[today]

My DVR ran out so I missed everything past the first OT FG attempt.

I hate that... I had that happen to me awhile back and vowed never again. Now I always add 1 to 1.5 hours beyond the expected end of the game.

Sorry you had to miss out on it... Probably was easier on your heart though =)

[today]

Ball didn't do that badly given what we would have expected from him.


Seemed to me like he really just had one bad series where Megatron ate him up for 3 big plays. Aside from that one drive, I only found myself cursing him when he dropped that INT in the end zone... HOW DO YOU DROP THAT?!?!

[Arky]

Seemed like there was several dropped INT's....and Schaub was missing wide open receivers.... that is usually a recipe for an L. But Schaubie put it together at the end there despite his penchant for the ill-timed bad toss... A lot of similarities between this game and the Jags game last week.... I think some credit should be given to the Texans conditioning program and the people involved in this.... To my eye, in the waning moments of the last two games, the Texans appeared to physically outlast their opponents (Jags/Lions).

---------------------------------

Saw a crawler saying AJ set an NFL record for yardage in two games (273+188 = 461) though that will probably have an asterisk for both games going OT... For a guy who was starting to border on milk carton celebrity, he is rocketing up the stat sheets for wide receivers....

--------------------------------

Dang, 10-1. Enjoy it while you can - these don't come along very often. The Oilers never did it... Even if the Texans go 2-3 over the next five games that is still 12-4 and should be a certified lock for the playoffs.... Homefield throughout should still be the regular season goal....

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Glad to see Arian get a mere 20 carries..... don't care what he and Kubes are saying publicly...... Arian will need his legs down the stretch and into post-season....

[nunusguy]

Even if the Texans go 2-3 over the next five games that is still 12-4 and should be a certified lock for the playoffs.... Homefield throughout should still be the regular season goal....

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Given that we've got 2 division games & a MNF with NE all on the road, a 2-3 finish is not at all unlikely. The Monday night matchup could be huge when it comes down to tie-breakers ? With NE, Baltimore, & Denver as our competition for top-seed, I think we've got the toughest remaining schedule ?

[WMH]

Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) tweeted:
Texans D takes a hit -- Brooks Reed expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a groin injury. No surgery, but tough loss as home-field race heats up.

[HPF Bob]

For a speed rusher, that's even worse. He'll probably be out until the playoffs. Just means Mercilus will get a lot of PT now. Schools out, time for the exam.

[painekiller]

For a speed rusher, that's even worse. He'll probably be out until the playoffs. Just means Mercilus will get a lot of PT now. Schools out, time for the exam.

With Braman in the rotation. I've been waiting to see what he and Mercelus can do, and now I will get to.

[TheMatrix31]

Sucks that we lose Reed but honestly he hasn't been anything so at least we'll get to see more of Braman and Mercilus. Killer problem for depth at this point though.

[Nconroe]

I think we also have Jesse Nading who has been with Texans 4 yrs as pretty good OLB depth in addition to Braman and Mercilus.

It will be interesting how they try to get all these injured players ready for playoffs, like Dobbins, Cody, JJo, Tate, Newton, and Reed..

[Arky]

Early line Texans vs. Titans in Nashville - Texans by 4.5.... Probably right where it should be to attract betting on both sides.....