The odds were heavily stacked against the Detroit Lions midway through their Sunday matchup against the Houston Texans. But like the team of destiny the Lions have appeared to be this season, they still found a way to win.
The Lions pulled off a come-from-behind win over a Texans squad that had dominated the first half at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Texans raced out to an early 10-0 lead and took a 23-7 advantage into the halftime break. One Lions player even went viral for appearing to soil his pants as his team got outplayed early.
The Lions’ steady-handed quarterback Jared Goff looked anything but that in the first half of play. He threw three interceptions over the first two quarters. He then threw two more in the first seven minutes of the third quarter.
But despite Goff’s five interceptions and the Lions’ 16-point deficit early, Detroit still won the game 26-23. Detroit became the first team since 1970 to win a game in which the winning squad gave up five or more interceptions and trailed by 15 or more points.
The #Lions are the first team since 1970 to throw five interceptions, trail by 15+ points, and still come back to win the game. pic.twitter.com/O9pauZZePS
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 11, 2024
It was only fitting that Lions kicker Jake Bates won the game in dramatic fashion.
On the Lions’ penultimate possession, Bates tied the game at 23 via a 58-yard field goal with an attempt that grazed the right post. He later closed the game out with a 52-yard winner in the final seconds that also touched the left post.
Jake Bates flirting with both uprights in the fourth quarter. Calls game on this one. Fun one for the #Lions. pic.twitter.com/3P1glqh4i0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 11, 2024
The Lions entered the Week 10 contest with a six-game winning streak that appeared to be in serious jeopardy through two quarters. But on Sunday, the football gods continued to smile upon Detroit.