The Texans won their fifth game in a row in eventful fashion in Detroit (4-7) on Thanksgiving. Houston (10-1) benefited from a rule that could may be changed in the offseason and survived a missed Jason Hanson field goal in overtime.
However, the Texans made some plays down the stretch to beat Detroit 34-31 in their second overtime game in five days.
Offense: A
For the second straight week, the offense came up big down the stretch. The Texans had 501 total yards and were balanced in their attack, throwing for 296 yards and running for 205. The Texans drove 97 yards on 15 plays for the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, and WR Andre Johnson are playing at a high level, and it is showing up on the scoreboard. Last week’s grade: A
Defense: C+
The secondary struggled for the second consecutive game, but the Texans were without CB Johnathan Joseph, who sat out with a hamstring injury. Houston also gave up its first two rushing touchdowns of the season. DE J.J. Watt had another monster game with five tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Once again, the defense toughened up down the stretch, holding the Lions without points on their final six drives. Last week’s grade: C
Special Teams: C
K Shayne Graham missed a game-winning field goal again, but this week, Graham bounced back to hit a 32-yard game-winner in overtime. Graham finished 2 for 3 on the day. P Donnie Jones once again had a good outing, averaging 47.5 yards on six punts. The Texans didn’t make any impact plays in the return game. Last week’s grade: C
Coaching: B
Houston was playing a team in a hostile environment that desperately needed a win, and the Texans got the job done. The win was not pretty at times, but it all counts the same in the standings. Now, Houston will continue its road trip at Tennessee next Sunday before a Monday night showdown with New England. Last week’s grade: C
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter @CBSTexans.
