MNF AT JERRY WORLD!
Here's what's working, what needs fixing ahead of Texans' Monday night showdown with Cowboys
Nov 12, 2024, 1:50 pm
The Cowboys host the Texans on Monday night. Composite Getty Image.
Houston’s offense hit a new low Sunday night when the Texans lost to the Detroit Lions despite intercepting Jared Goff a franchise-record five times.
The Texans led by 16 at halftime but gave up 19 unanswered points in the second half to allow the Lions to escape with a 26-23 win.
C.J. Stroud was intercepted on two of Houston’s first three possessions of the second half, and the Texans punted on three straight drives after the second pick. They still had a chance to take the lead late, but Ka'imi Fairbairn’s 58-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
Jake Bates' 52-yard field goal as time expired sent Houston (6-4) to its third loss in four games after a 5-1 start.
“We didn’t play winning football,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We stalled on a lot drives and didn’t score any points in the second half. To beat a good football team like that, we have to be able to sustain drives. We have to be able to score points. We were going backwards way too much.”
Stroud tied a season high with his two interceptions after he hadn’t been picked off in the previous three games. He was disappointed in himself for not executing better in the second half.
“Defense is getting the turnovers like they were, so we’ve got to be able to reward them with points,” he said. “That’s something we didn’t do. I feel like I’m the one to blame when it comes to that.”
The Texans routinely found themselves in third-and-long situations against the Lions as they struggled to run the ball. Houston managed just 56 yards rushing Sunday, its second-lowest output of the season.
“We have to win first and second down,” Ryans said. “Too many negative plays on first and second down. We didn’t run the ball well. ... When you don’t play well on first and second down, you find yourself in third-and-long, and it’s hard to continuously win third-and-long.”
What's working
Houston’s five interceptions are the most in the NFL since the Panthers picked off Jameis Winston five times in a win over Tampa Bay on Oct. 14, 2019.
Houston’s rookies led the way Sunday with Kamari Lassiter, a second-round pick from Georgia, grabbing two interceptions and Calen Bullock getting one. Bullock, selected in the third round from Southern California, has four interceptions, which is tied for most by a rookie this season.
What needs help
The Texans have led at halftime in each of their last four games, only to lose three of those. Houston has managed just 15 points combined in the second half of the last four games and hasn’t scored a touchdown after halftime in any of them.
Stroud couldn’t put his finger on why they’ve had trouble after halftime, saying it “seems like it’s different every week.” He believes it's up to him to turn things around.
“The blame is on me,” he said. “I’ve got to be better in those moments.”
Stock up
WR John Metchie III. The third-year player had a career-high 74 yards receiving and scored the first touchdown of his career on a 15-yard grab in the second quarter. Metchie missed his entire rookie season in 2022 recovering from leukemia.
“I’m super proud of him and super happy that he’s getting his opportunities and showing his worth,” Stroud said.
Stock down
WR Tank Dell had 39 yards receiving a week after he had a season-high 126. The Texans need him to play more consistently with star Stefon Diggs out for the season with a knee injury.
Injuries
WR Nico Collins was activated from the injured reserve on Saturday but was inactive against the Lions, extending his absence to five games. ... DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) did not play. ... Lassiter will likely miss the next game after sustaining a concussion.
Key number
34 – Stroud was sacked four times to raise his total to 34, which is the second most in the NFL this season.
Next steps
The Texans will have an extra day to prepare and try to clean up their mistakes before an in-state showdown next Monday night at the Dallas Cowboys, who have dropped four in a row.
When: Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
Where: Houston, TX
BetMGM Line: Rockets -10; Over/Under 219
BOTTOM LINE:
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to end a four-game skid as they take on the Houston Rockets, who have established themselves as a force in the Western Conference this season.
The Rockets (17-9) currently sit third in the West and boast one of the league's best rebounding units, led by Alperen Sengun. Houston has dominated within the division, posting a 4-1 record against Southwest Division opponents. Meanwhile, the Pelicans (5-22) have struggled mightily, especially within their division, where they remain winless at 0-3.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- Houston’s Rebounding Edge
The Rockets lead the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 49.3 boards per game. Alperen Sengun has been a standout, contributing 10.6 rebounds along with 18.6 points and 5.2 assists per contest. This could spell trouble for a Pelicans squad that has been outmuscled on the glass in recent outings. - Pelicans’ Scoring Woes
New Orleans ranks last in the Western Conference in scoring, putting up just 105.1 points per game on 43.7% shooting. Their offense will be further hampered by injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Zion Williamson (hamstring), leaving the team with limited options to generate points. - Defensive Disparities
While the Rockets aren’t elite defensively, allowing 106.1 points per game, they should benefit from the Pelicans' offensive struggles. Houston's opponents are shooting just 42.5% in the Rockets' last 10 games, a figure that contrasts with the 48.3% shooting New Orleans allows to opposing teams over the season.
RECENT FORM:
- Rockets: Houston is 6-4 over its last 10 games, averaging 108.0 points and 47.3 rebounds while holding opponents to 106.0 points. The Rockets have been solid on both ends, particularly in forcing turnovers, as they average 8.3 steals and 6.1 blocks per game.
- Pelicans: New Orleans has dropped nine of its last 10 games, scoring 107.3 points on 43.9% shooting while giving up a whopping 118.9 points per game to opponents. Injuries have ravaged the Pelicans’ lineup, leaving them vulnerable in both scoring and defense.
INJURY REPORT:
- Rockets: No injuries reported.
- Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Zion Williamson (hamstring) are out, while Jose Alvarado (hamstring) is also sidelined. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Karlo Matkovic, and Jordan Hawkins are listed as day-to-day.
KEY MATCHUP:
Alperen Sengun vs. the Pelicans' Interior Defense
Sengun’s ability to dominate the paint with his rebounding and passing could be a deciding factor. Without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans’ defense will be shorthanded and at risk of being overpowered by Houston’s size and depth.
PREDICTION:
The Rockets are heavy favorites for a reason. With no major injuries and a strong rebounding game, Houston should control the tempo and exploit the Pelicans’ lack of offensive firepower. Expect Houston to extend New Orleans’ losing streak in convincing fashion.
Final Score Prediction: Rockets 114, Pelicans 98
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