Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
The August 23, 2025, preseason showdown between the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans at Ford Field delivered a lopsided affair, with the Texans securing a convincing 26-7 victory. This Week 3 matchup served as a final tune-up for both squads ahead of the regular season, spotlighting backup players vying for roster spots. For fans hunting Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats, this game offered glimpses of emerging talents and potential depth chart shakers.
While starters sat mostly on the sidelines, the action revealed critical evaluations. Houston’s offense clicked efficiently, amassing over 400 total yards, while Detroit struggled with turnovers and inefficiency. In this deep-dive analysis, we’ll unpack passing, rushing, receiving, defensive contributions, and special teams efforts. Whether you’re analyzing fantasy implications or roster battles, these Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats provide valuable intel. Let’s break down the numbers and narratives that defined this preseason tilt.
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats Overview
The Texans controlled the clock, holding possession for 40:15 compared to Detroit’s 19:45. They converted 9 of 12 third downs, showcasing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Lions’ reserves. Houston struck first with a field goal, then exploded for 13 second-quarter points, including a rushing touchdown and a passing score. Detroit’s lone highlight came early—a 33-yard touchdown strike—but they managed just seven points total.
Team totals paint a stark picture:
| Category | Houston Texans | Detroit Lions |
| Total Yards | 399 | 186 |
| Passing Yards | 249 | 114 |
| Rushing Yards | 150 | 72 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 3 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 9/12 (75%) | 2/8 (25%) |
This dominance underscored Houston’s depth, while Detroit’s backups exposed areas for growth. Now, let’s zoom into individual Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats by position.
Passing Performances: Quarterbacks Under the Microscope
Preseason games like this one are quarterback auditions, and both teams’ signal-callers delivered mixed results. Houston’s duo combined for efficient ball distribution, while Detroit leaned on veterans to spark limited drives according to Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats.
Houston Texans Passing Stats
Graham Mertz, the undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin, stole the show in his bid for a practice squad invite. He carved up the Lions’ secondary with precise throws.
- Graham Mertz: 14/16 completions, 145 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 125.3 passer rating
- Kyle Slovis: 11/16 completions, 111 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 83.1 passer rating
Mertz’s touchdown—a 6-yard dart to Quintez Cephus—capped a methodical drive, highlighting his poise under pressure. Slovis, despite the interception, showed arm strength on deep shots, connecting for a score that padded the lead. Together, they avoided sacks mostly, taking just one for a 7-yard loss.
Detroit Lions Passing Stats
Kyle Allen, competing for the backup role behind Jared Goff, flashed potential but faltered with consistency. His early touchdown kept hopes alive, but the offense stalled thereafter.
- Kyle Allen: 11/16 completions, 114 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 89.6 passer rating
Allen’s highlight was a perfectly timed 33-yard strike to Isaac TeSlaa in Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats, showcasing chemistry with the undrafted rookie wideout. However, two sacks totaling 15 yards and an interception hampered momentum. No other Lions quarterback saw significant action, underscoring Allen’s hold on the depth chart.
These Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats in the passing game reveal Houston’s edge in accuracy (78% completion rate vs. Detroit’s 69%), setting the tone for the blowout.
Rushing Breakdown: Ground Games Tell the Tale
Rushing often decides preseason fates, and Houston’s stable of backs wore down Detroit’s front seven. The Texans averaged nearly 4 yards per carry, while the Lions scraped for minimal gains.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats
A committee approach yielded balance, with no single back dominating but all contributing to time of possession.
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
| J.J. Taylor | 13 | 55 | 4.2 | 11 | 0 |
| Dameon Pierce | 7 | 23 | 3.3 | 12 | 0 |
| Joyel Guess | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 11 | 0 |
| Jo’quavious Marks | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 9 | 1 |
| Others | 10 | 33 | 3.3 | 18 | 0 |
| Total | 38 | 150 | 3.9 | 18 | 1 |
Marks’ 9-yard scamper in the second quarter proved pivotal, giving Houston a 16-7 halftime edge. Taylor’s steady churning kept drives alive, exemplifying the Texans’ depth.
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats: Detroit Lions Rushing Stats
Detroit’s ground attack sputtered, averaging just over 4 yards but lacking explosive plays beyond one outlier.
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
| Craig Reynolds | 9 | 32 | 3.6 | 7 | 0 |
| Isaac TeSlaa | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 25 | 0 |
| Jermar Jefferson | 5 | 12 | 2.4 | 4 | 0 |
| Others | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 72 | 4.2 | 25 | 0 |
TeSlaa’s unexpected 25-yard jaunt added a wrinkle, but the Lions’ limited attempts reflected passing woes. Reynolds showed vision in short-yardage, but the unit needs polish for regular-season relevance.
In Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats, Houston’s rushing edge (150 vs. 72 yards) amplified their control, forcing Detroit into predictable pass-heavy scripts.
Receiving Highlights: Wideouts and Tight Ends Shine
Receivers feasted on backup defenses, with touchdowns stealing headlines. Houston spread the ball widely, while Detroit concentrated targets.
Houston Texans Receiving Stats
Eleven players caught passes, emphasizing ball security and yards after catch.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Long | TD | Targets |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 6 | 63 | 10.5 | 20 | 0 | 7 |
| Quintez Cephus | 4 | 51 | 12.8 | 18 | 1 | 7 |
| John Metchie III | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 26 | 0 | 1 |
| Others | 14 | 116 | 8.3 | 24 | 1 | 17 |
| Total | 25 | 256 | 10.2 | 26 | 2 | 32 |
Cephus, a former Lion, torched his old team with the go-ahead score, hauling in Mertz’s strike amid coverage. Hutchinson’s six grabs paced the group, proving reliable in traffic.
Detroit Lions Receiving Stats
Fewer opportunities meant fewer explosions, but TeSlaa’s big play loomed large.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Long | TD | Targets |
| Isaac TeSlaa | 2 | 41 | 20.5 | 33 | 1 | 2 |
| Antoine Pitterson | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | 14 | 0 | 3 |
| Others | 6 | 46 | 7.7 | 18 | 0 | 9 |
| Total | 11 | 114 | 10.4 | 33 | 1 | 14 |
TeSlaa, an undrafted free agent from Northern Iowa, emerged as a feel-good story. His touchdown grab not only scored but also boosted his roster odds, per post-game buzz. Pitterson’s slot work added reliability, but the group craved volume.
These receiving Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats underscore Houston’s distribution (10.2 YPC) versus Detroit’s big-play reliance.
Defensive Standouts: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers
Defenses featured in a low-scoring affair, with Houston’s unit stifling Detroit’s backups. Sacks and tackles highlighted physicality.
Houston Texans Defense
The Texans notched three sacks and limited Detroit to 186 yards, forcing a fumble-lost interception.
- Top Tacklers: Multiple players with 3 tackles, including Myles Gaskin (1 sack).
- Sacks: 3 total (led by reserves).
- Interceptions: 1 (on Allen).
- Pass Deflections: 2.
Houston’s front rotated effectively, with linebackers like Jake Hansen (before injury) setting tones early.
Detroit Lions Defense
Despite 79 tackles, Detroit allowed 399 yards, exposing coverage lapses.
- Top Tackles: Malcolm Rodriguez (9 tackles), Ezekiel Turner (9, but injured).
- Sacks: 1 (team total).
- Interceptions: 0.
- Tackles for Loss: 5.
Rodriguez’s sideline-to-sideline speed shone, but the secondary yielded chunk plays. Turner’s injury clouds depth concerns.
In Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats, Houston’s D-line pressure (3 sacks vs. 1) flipped the script on field position.
Special Teams Insights: Kickers and Returners
Special teams decided momentum swings, with Houston’s unit flawless.
- Houston: Ka’imi Fairbairn 2/3 FGs (from 33, 45 yards), 2/2 XPs. Punt average: 45 yards.
- Detroit: No FGs attempted; Jake Bates 1/1 XP. Kick returns: 131 yards on 5 (led by Kalif Raymond, 35-yard long).
Fairbairn’s opening 33-yarder set a deliberate pace, while Detroit’s return game sparked minor field position edges.
Key Takeaways and Roster Implications
This game’s Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats ripple into September. For Detroit, Kyle Allen’s poise and TeSlaa’s flair likely lock in spots, per coach Dan Campbell’s hints. Houston’s Mertz impressed enough for a practice squad nod, while Cephus reminded of his upside.
Preseason optics matter: Houston’s efficiency signals regular-season readiness, boasting a 2-1 record. Detroit, at 1-3, eyes fixes in run defense and third-down stops. Fantasy managers, note TeSlaa as a deep sleeper and Mertz for practice squad tracking.
As the regular season looms—Texans at Rams on September 7, Lions at Packers same day—these stats fuel offseason narratives.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match on August 23, 2025?
The Houston Texans won 26-7 in a preseason matchup at Ford Field.
Who led the passing yards in the Lions vs Texans player stats?
Graham Mertz topped with 145 yards on 14-of-16 passing for Houston.
Did any rookies stand out in the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats?
Yes, Isaac TeSlaa (Lions) caught a 33-yard TD, boosting his roster chances.
How many rushing yards did Houston gain against Detroit?
The Texans rushed for 150 yards, including a touchdown by Jo’quavious Marks.
What were the sack totals in this game?
Houston recorded 3 sacks, while Detroit had 1.
Conclusion
The August 23, 2025, clash etched memorable Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans match player stats, blending audition brilliance with evaluative lessons. Houston’s command affirmed their contender status, while Detroit gleaned gems amid the defeat. These numbers aren’t just digits—they’re blueprints for battles ahead. For enthusiasts dissecting every snap, this preseason gem delivers enduring value.
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