Why the main culprit in Houston Texans' historic loss is a tough pill to swallow
NO CAP
12 November 2024
CJ Stroud's two interceptions in the second half proved to be costly. Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Texans were on the verge of one of the biggest wins in franchise history on Sunday night, until a disastrous second half allowed the Lions to rally and win the game with a walk-off field goal.
And as we look back at what went wrong, several issues come to mind. Many fans are quick to point the finger at OC Bobby Slowik, but there's more blame to go around.
This is just something Houston fans are not used, CJ Stroud being the main culprit in a loss.
You can't have it both ways. We regularly praise Stroud when he plays well, and we also have to be honest when he doesn't.
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein lay out why QB CJ Stroud is mostly responsible for one of the worst loses in franchise history.
The Astros know how to win these games, and it shows
Jun 29, 2025, 4:28 pm
Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.
Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.
ALTUVE FOR THE LEAD!!!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/1rX89783yx
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.
Starring The Framchise.#BuiltForThis x @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/sNReaztMjl
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.
Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.
Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.
Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.
The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Key Moment
Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.
Key Stat
The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.
Up Next
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).
The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).
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