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 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 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 = 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

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