by Football fans love August! It’s when NFL teams return to the field after a long off-season, and everyone gets excited to see their favorite players back in action!
On August 23, 2025, the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans met for an exciting pre-season matchup that had fans on both sides buzzing with anticipation.
The stadium was packed with people wearing team colors, waving flags, and cheering loudly!
Pre-season games are special because they give coaches a chance to test young players and see who’s ready for the big stage.
Rookies get their first taste of real NFL competition. Veterans try out new plays and positions. Everyone wants to prove they deserve a spot on the final roster!
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
This particular game felt important for both franchises.
The Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats would reveal which players stepped up, which ones needed more work, and how both teams were shaping up before the regular season started!
Both teams came out sharp and motivated. Quarterbacks threw precise passes. Running backs fought for every yard.
Defenders hit hard and made big tackles. The energy was electric from the opening kickoff!
Fans in the stands got exactly what they wanted — exciting football, impressive performances from new faces, and plenty of moments that made them jump out of their seats!
Some players who nobody knew before this game became instant fan favorites!
The coaching staffs on both sidelines took careful notes, analyzing every play to decide who would make the team and who still needed more development.
These games don’t count in the official standings, but they absolutely matter for building rosters!
Let’s break down what happened on the field and look at the numbers that tell the story!
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Game Setup and First Quarter Highlights
The game kicked off with both teams looking energized and focused. You could tell the players were excited to finally play real football again after months of practice!
Detroit came out aggressive right from the start. Their offense moved down the field quickly, mixing running plays with accurate passes. The crowd got loud as the Lions drove toward the end zone!
In the first quarter, Detroit struck first! Quarterback Jared Goff (the team’s starter) connected with receiver Isaiah TeSlaa for a touchdown pass. The stadium erupted with cheers! Detroit fans felt great seeing their team score early!
Houston didn’t panic after falling behind. That’s what good teams do — they stay calm and stick to their game plan. The Texans’ offense answered back with steady drives that showed patience and discipline.
Both defenses played hard, trying to stop every run and pass. You could hear the sound of helmets crashing and pads hitting throughout the stadium. That’s real football!
The first quarter showed that both teams came ready to compete. This wasn’t going to be one of those boring pre-season games where teams just go through the motions. Both sides wanted to win!
Coaches on the sidelines were already rotating players, giving backups and rookies chances to show what they could do. Every player who stepped on the field knew this was their opportunity to shine!
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Quarterback Battle
Quarterbacks are like the captains of the team — they lead the offense and make the big decisions. In this game, both teams used multiple quarterbacks to test their depth!
Houston Texans Quarterbacks:
| Quarterback | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Mertz | 14/16 | 145 | 1 | 0 | 125.3 |
| Kedon Slovis | 11/16 | 111 | 1 | 1 | 83.1 |
| Team Total | 25/32 | 249 | 2 | 1 | 107.8 |
What This Tells Us:
Graham Mertz played fantastically! He completed 14 out of 16 passes — that’s almost perfect! His 125.3 passer rating (a number that measures how well a QB plays) was excellent!
Kedon Slovis also played solid football. He completed 11 of 16 passes and threw one touchdown. He did throw one interception (when the other team catches your pass), but overall, he looked comfortable!
Together, Houston’s quarterbacks completed 25 of 32 passes for 249 yards! That’s efficient, accurate passing!
Detroit Lions Quarterbacks:
| Quarterback | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendon Hooker | 6/11 | 70 | 0 | 1 | 36.2 |
| Kyle Allen | 5/5 | 66 | 1 | 0 | 158.3 |
| Team Total | 11/16 | 114 | 1 | 1 | 89.6 |
What This Tells Us:
Kyle Allen was PERFECT! He completed all 5 passes he threw for 66 yards and a touchdown! His 158.3 rating is spectacular! Unfortunately, he only played a short time.
Hendon Hooker had a tougher day. He completed 6 of 11 passes but threw an interception and got sacked (tackled behind the line) twice. His 36.2 rating shows he struggled.
The Big Difference:
Houston’s quarterbacks threw for 249 yards total. Detroit’s quarterbacks only threw for 114 yards. That’s more than DOUBLE the production for Houston!
Houston looked more comfortable, more accurate, and more confident in the pocket (the safe area where quarterbacks throw from). Their quarterbacks had more time to find open receivers and make smart decisions!
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Running Game Comparison
Running the football is super important! It controls the clock, wears down the defense, and sets up big passing plays later!
Houston’s Key Runners:
- Jawhar Jordan: 13 carries, 55 yards (4.2 yards per carry)
- British Brooks: 7 carries, 23 yards
- Woody Marks: 6 carries, 19 yards, 1 touchdown
- Dameon Pierce: 7 carries, 17 yards
- Dare Ogunbowale: 1 carry, 18 yards (longest single run!)
Detroit’s Key Runners:
- Jacob Saylors: 9 carries, 32 yards (3.6 yards per carry)
- Hendon Hooker: 1 carry, 25 yards (longest run of the game!)
- Craig Reynolds: 5 carries, 12 yards
- Deon Jackson: 2 carries, 3 yards
Complete Rushing Stats:
| Team | Total Carries | Total Yards | Average | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 38 | 150 | 3.9 | 1 |
| Detroit | 17 | 72 | 4.2 | 0 |
What the Numbers Mean:
Houston ran the ball 38 times! Detroit only ran 17 times! That’s a huge difference! When you run the ball more, it usually means you’re controlling the game!
Houston gained 150 rushing yards compared to Detroit’s 72 yards. More than DOUBLE again!
Houston scored one rushing touchdown. Detroit didn’t score any rushing touchdowns.
Why This Matters:
When you can run the ball effectively, it keeps your defense fresh (they rest on the sideline). It also makes defenses respect the run, which opens up passing opportunities!
Houston’s running game showed great depth. They had multiple backs who could gain yards consistently. Detroit’s best run was Hooker’s 25-yard scramble, but they couldn’t establish consistent success!
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Receiving Leaders
Receivers catch passes and gain yards through the air. Let’s see who made the biggest impacts!
Houston Texans Top Receivers:
| Receiver | Catches | Yards | Average | TDs | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell Powell | 6 | 63 | 10.5 | 0 | 20 |
| Quintez Cephus | 4 | 51 | 12.8 | 1 | 18 |
| Juwann Winfree | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 0 | 26 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 1 | 24 | 24.0 | 0 | 24 |
| Woody Marks | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 0 | 7 |
Detroit Lions Top Receivers:
| Receiver | Catches | Yards | Average | TDs | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac TeSlaa | 2 | 41 | 20.5 | 1 | 33 |
| Jacob Saylors | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | 0 | 14 |
| Ronnie Bell | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 | 18 |
| Craig Reynolds | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 0 | 12 |
Houston’s Receiving Success:
Cornell Powell caught 6 passes for 63 yards! He was the most consistent target, catching everything thrown his way!
Quintez Cephus caught 4 passes including one touchdown! His average of 12.8 yards per catch shows he was making plays downfield!
Houston had TWELVE different receivers catch passes! That’s incredible depth! It means they have weapons everywhere!
Detroit’s Bright Moments:
Isaac TeSlaa had the highlight play for Detroit — a 33-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter! His 2 catches for 41 yards showed big-play ability!
Jacob Saylors caught 3 passes for 27 yards, providing a reliable option underneath when quarterbacks needed quick completions!
The Production Gap:
Houston’s receivers gained 256 total yards. Detroit’s receivers gained 136 yards. Houston’s passing game was significantly more productive throughout the contest!
Defensive Performances
Defense is about stopping the other team from scoring! Let’s look at who made the biggest plays on defense!
Houston’s Defensive Stars:
- Arthur Maulet: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
- Tommy Togiai: 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
- Casey Toohill: 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
- Team Total: 45 tackles, 3 sacks
Detroit’s Defensive Stars:
- Loren Strickland: 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss (team leader!)
- Tyson Russell: 4 tackles, 1 pass deflection
- Isaac Ukwu: 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
- Team Total: 79 tackles, 1 sack
Simple Explanation:
A “sack” means tackling the quarterback behind the line before he can throw. It’s a big negative play for the offense!
A “tackle for loss” means stopping a runner behind the line of scrimmage for negative yards. These hurt the offense badly!
What the Stats Show:
Houston recorded 3 sacks! That’s excellent pass rush pressure! Three different players got sacks, showing they can pressure quarterbacks from multiple spots!
Detroit made 79 total tackles compared to Houston’s 45. Why the difference? Because Houston’s offense ran more plays, forcing Detroit’s defense to make more stops!
Loren Strickland was everywhere for Detroit with 9 tackles! He played his heart out and showed up on every play!
The Key Difference:
Houston’s defense was more disruptive. They got into the backfield more often (3 sacks, 3 tackles for loss). Detroit made lots of tackles but couldn’t create enough negative plays!
Special Teams Summary
Special teams handle kickoffs, punts, and field goals. These plays might seem less exciting, but they can change games!
What Special Teams Do:
- Kick the ball after touchdowns (extra points)
- Kick field goals (worth 3 points)
- Punt the ball when you can’t get a first down
- Return kicks and punts to gain field position
Kicking Stats:
| Kicker | Team | Field Goals | Extra Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | Houston | 2/3 (67%) | 2/2 | 8 points |
| Jake Bates | Detroit | 0/0 | 1/1 | 1 point |
Ka’imi Fairbairn scored 8 points for Houston! He made 2 field goals (worth 3 points each) and 2 extra points (worth 1 point each). His kicking was crucial!
Kick Return Stats:
| Team | Returns | Total Yards | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2 | 73 | 36.5 |
| Detroit | 5 | 131 | 26.2 |
Houston averaged 36.5 yards per return — excellent field position! Detroit had more returns but averaged only 26.2 yards per return.
Punting:
Detroit punted 4 times, averaging 51.5 yards per punt. That’s solid distance!
Houston didn’t punt at all! That means their offense kept moving forward and never got stopped badly enough to punt!
Historical Rivalry Recap
The Lions and Texans don’t play often since they’re in different conferences. But their meetings have produced some entertaining games!
All-Time Head-to-Head Record:
| Date | Winner | Score | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/23/2025 | Houston | 26-7 | Pre-season |
| 11/10/2024 | Detroit | 26-23 | Regular Season |
| 11/26/2020 | Houston | 41-25 | Regular Season |
| 10/30/2016 | Houston | 20-13 | Regular Season |
| 11/22/2012 | Houston | 34-31 (OT) | Regular Season |
| 10/19/2008 | Houston | 28-21 | Regular Season |
| 09/19/2004 | Detroit | 28-16 | Regular Season |
Overall Record: Houston leads 5-2
What This Shows:
Houston has won 5 times. Detroit has only won 2 times in their 7 total meetings!
Detroit’s last win came in 2024 during the regular season. Before that, they hadn’t beaten Houston since 2004 — a 20-year gap!
The 2012 game went to overtime with Houston winning 34-31. That must’ve been incredibly exciting!
These teams don’t have a heated rivalry, but they’ve played competitive games when they do meet!
What the Coaches Learned?
Houston’s Takeaways:
✅ Quarterback depth looks strong with both Mertz and Slovis playing well
✅ Multiple running backs can contribute effectively
✅ Wide receiver group has good depth with 12 different catchers
✅ Defense can pressure quarterbacks from multiple positions
✅ Special teams provide solid field position advantages
✅ Overall team execution was consistent throughout four quarters
Detroit’s Takeaways:
✅ Kyle Allen showed precision in limited action
✅ Hendon Hooker needs more protection and development time
✅ Isaac TeSlaa has big-play ability as a receiver
✅ Loren Strickland brings intensity and tackling on defense
✅ Punting game is strong with good distance
✅ Running game needs more consistency and explosiveness
What’s Next:
Both coaching staffs now have valuable film to study. They’ll watch every play multiple times, grading each player’s performance!
Houston’s coaches will feel confident about their depth. They know they have capable backups who can step in if starters get injured during the long season!
Detroit’s coaches have work to do. They need to improve offensive line protection, establish a consistent running game, and develop Hendon Hooker’s decision-making!
Pre-season games exist exactly for this purpose — identifying strengths to build on and weaknesses to fix before games start counting in September!
Conclusion: Building Toward September
This pre-season matchup between two motivated teams gave fans exciting football and gave coaches important information about their rosters!
Houston proved they have depth at multiple positions. Their quarterbacks looked comfortable. Their running backs shared the workload effectively. Their receivers made plays consistently!
Detroit found some positives, too. Kyle Allen’s perfect passing performance showed promise. Isaac TeSlaa’s touchdown catch demonstrated big-play potential. Loren Strickland’s defensive intensity set a good example!
But Detroit also discovered areas needing improvement. Quarterback protection must get better. The running game needs more consistency. The offense can’t go three quarters without scoring!
The Bigger Picture:
Pre-season football is about preparation, evaluation, and improvement. Both teams got valuable experience for players who might not have seen the field otherwise!
Rookies got their first taste of NFL speed and physicality. Backups proved they’re ready if called upon. Coaches learned which combinations work and which need adjustment!
Football is a team sport. Every player who stepped on that field contributed to their team’s preparation for the regular season. Some will make the final roster. Others will continue developing!
Both franchises walk away with film to study, lessons learned, and adjustments to make before the games start counting. That’s what August football is all about!
The complete Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats showed two teams testing themselves, learning about their rosters, and building toward successful regular seasons when the real battles begin! 🏈
