Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
The NFL pre-season is often a time for teams to evaluate depth, test new strategies, and give rookies and backups valuable playing time. But when the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans met on August 23, 2025, it felt more than just a warm-up. With a final score of 26–7 in favor of Houston, the game delivered meaningful takeaways for both franchises and plenty of talking points for fans and analysts alike.
This blog offers a deep dive into the player stats, performance analysis, and the historical rivalry between these two franchises, giving readers a complete view of how the game unfolded and what it could mean for the regular season ahead.
What Happened During the 2025 Pre-season Matchup Between the Lions and Texans?
The matchup, which took place on August 23, 2025, unfolded at a brisk pace. It began competitively but shifted heavily in favor of Houston by the second quarter.
Detroit opened the scoring early in the first quarter with a touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Isaiah TeSlaa. However, from that point on, the Texans took complete control of the game, both offensively and defensively.
By halftime, Houston had added 13 points to their tally through a rushing touchdown by rookie Walter Marks and a passing score to wide receiver Quintez Cephus. Detroit failed to score in the final three quarters, and Houston added another 10 points in the fourth to seal a comfortable 26–7 win.
The match offered more than just a scoreline, it provided insights into team depth, player readiness, and how each franchise is preparing for the upcoming season.
How Did the Quarterbacks Perform for Both Teams?
Quarterback play often dictates momentum in any football game, and in this matchup, Houston’s rotation of passers showed both efficiency and depth, while Detroit’s efforts were more inconsistent.
Houston Texans Passing Stats
| Quarterback | C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Mertz | 14/16 | 145 | 9.1 | 1 | 0 | 1-7 | 125.3 |
| Kedon Slovis | 11/16 | 111 | 6.9 | 1 | 1 | 0-0 | 83.1 |
| Team Total | 25/32 | 249 | 8.0 | 2 | 1 | 1-7 | 107.8 |
Mertz and Slovis combined for over 240 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Texans multiple reliable options in the pocket.
Detroit Lions Passing Stats
| Quarterback | C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendon Hooker | 6/11 | 70 | 6.4 | 0 | 1 | 2-15 | 36.2 |
| Kyle Allen | 5/5 | 66 | 13.2 | 1 | 0 | 1-7 | 158.3 |
| Team Total | 11/16 | 114 | 8.5 | 1 | 1 | 3-22 | 89.6 |
Allen was perfect in his brief appearance, but Hooker struggled with pressure and accuracy, throwing an interception and being sacked twice.
What Do the Rushing Stats Reveal About Each Team’s Ground Game?
Both teams spread the workload among several backs, a typical approach for the preseason. However, Houston had the more efficient and consistent rushing attack, gaining momentum and helping to control possession.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jawhar Jordan | 13 | 55 | 4.2 | 0 | 11 |
| British Brooks | 7 | 23 | 3.3 | 0 | 12 |
| Graham Mertz (QB) | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 0 | 11 |
| Woody Marks | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 1 | 9 |
| Dare Ogunbowale | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 0 | 18 |
| Dameon Pierce | 7 | 17 | 2.4 | 0 | 6 |
| Kedon Slovis (QB) | 2 | -2 | -1.0 | 0 | -1 |
| Team Total | 38 | 150 | 3.9 | 1 | 18 |
Detroit Lions Rushing Stats
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Saylors | 9 | 32 | 3.6 | 0 | 7 |
| Hendon Hooker | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 0 | 25 |
| Craig Reynolds | 5 | 12 | 2.4 | 0 | 4 |
| Deon Jackson | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 3 |
| Team Total | 17 | 72 | 4.2 | 0 | 25 |
Hooker’s 25-yard run was a rare bright spot, but Detroit’s rushing game lacked consistency.
Who Were the Most Productive Receivers in the Game?
In the receiving game, Houston’s pass-catchers showed depth and versatility. Twelve different receivers were targeted, with Quintez Cephus and Cornell Powell leading the group. Detroit, on the other hand, had flashes of brilliance, particularly from Isaac TeSlaa.
Houston Texans Receiving Stats
| Receiver | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell Powell | 6 | 63 | 10.5 | 0 | 20 | 7 |
| Quintez Cephus | 4 | 51 | 12.8 | 1 | 18 | 7 |
| Juwann Winfree | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 0 | 26 | 1 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 1 | 24 | 24.0 | 0 | 24 | 1 |
| Woody Marks | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| Daniel Jackson | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Team Total | 25 | 256 | 10.2 | 2 | 26 | 32 |
Detroit Lions Receiving Stats
| Receiver | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac TeSlaa | 2 | 41 | 20.5 | 1 | 33 | 2 |
| Jacob Saylors | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| Ronnie Bell | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 | 18 | 3 |
| Craig Reynolds | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 0 | 12 | 2 |
| Team Total | 22 | 136 | 12.4 | 1 | 33 | 32 |
While the Lions had a few notable plays, the Texans moved the ball through the air with greater success and efficiency.
How Did Each Team’s Defense Perform on the Field?
Both teams had players make individual impacts, but Houston’s defense was more disciplined and consistent throughout the game. They applied pressure, made stops, and came away with the only interception.
Houston Texans Defensive Summary
| Player | TACK | SOLO | SACK | TFL | PD | QB HITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Maulet | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tommy Togiai | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Casey Toohill | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Team Total | 45 | 26 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Detroit Lions Defensive Summary
| Player | TACK | SOLO | SACK | TFL | PD | QB HITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loren Strickland | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyson Russell | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Isaac Ukwu | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Team Total | 79 | 47 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
Detroit’s defense recorded more total tackles, but Houston’s unit was far more disruptive in the backfield.
What Contributions Came From Special Teams and Other Areas?
Special teams provided solid field positioning for both teams, especially for Houston, whose kick returns helped maintain offensive momentum.
Kick Returns
| Team | NO | YDS | AVG | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2 | 73 | 36.5 | 47 |
| Detroit | 5 | 131 | 26.2 | 44 |
Kicking
| Kicker | FG | PCT | LONG | XP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | 2/3 | 67.0% | 53 | 2/2 | 8 |
| Jake Bates | 0/0 | 0.0% | 0 | 1/1 | 1 |
Punting
| Team | NO | YDS | AVG | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 4 | 206 | 51.5 | 61 |
| Houston | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
How Has the Lions vs Texans Rivalry Evolved Over the Years?
The Detroit Lions and Houston Texans don’t share a long-standing or heated rivalry, but when they do meet, it often produces entertaining football.
Including the most recent pre-season encounter, the two teams have played seven times, with Houston winning five of those matchups and Detroit taking two.
Here is a breakdown of the all-time head-to-head record:
| Date | Winner | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/23/2025 | Houston Texans | 26–7 | Pre-season |
| 11/10/2024 | Detroit Lions | 26–23 | Regular |
| 11/26/2020 | Houston Texans | 41–25 | Regular |
| 10/30/2016 | Houston Texans | 20–13 | Regular |
| 11/22/2012 | Houston Texans | 34–31 (OT) | Regular |
| 10/19/2008 | Houston Texans | 28–21 | Regular |
| 09/19/2004 | Detroit Lions | 28–16 | Regular |
The Texans lead the series 5–2 as of 2025. Notably, Houston has had the upper hand in most of the recent meetings, with their only losses coming in 2004 and 2024. Though not divisional rivals, these two franchises have delivered some tightly contested games, including an overtime thriller in 2012.
What Does This Pre-season Result Mean for Both Teams Moving Forward?
While the scoreboard won’t impact regular season standings, the implications of this game extend beyond the result. For Houston, the performance reinforced the strength of their depth chart. Key backups and rookies showed they’re ready to contribute if called upon, which is essential in a long NFL season.
The Lions, however, will need to reflect on their execution and consistency. One touchdown on the opening drive followed by three scoreless quarters indicates potential offensive issues, particularly when rotating in second-unit players.
Defensively, allowing 26 points in a pre-season game is never ideal, and adjustments will be necessary before the regular season kicks off.
Both teams have different takeaways, but for the Texans, it was a solid step in the right direction. For the Lions, it was a learning experience that revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities.
FAQs about Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
Who scored the only touchdown for Detroit in the 2025 pre-season game?
Isaiah TeSlaa caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff in the first quarter.
Which player had the most rushing yards in the game?
Houston’s rookie Walter Marks led all rushers with 65 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
What was the time of possession difference?
The Texans held the ball for 34 minutes and 26 seconds, nearly 9 minutes longer than the Lions.
How has the head-to-head series evolved over time?
Houston now leads the all-time series 5–2 after their 2025 pre-season victory.
Did Detroit’s offense perform well after the first quarter?
No, Detroit failed to score after their opening touchdown and struggled to move the ball consistently.
Which Texans player made a big impact on special teams?
Kicker Kaimi Fairbairn was excellent, scoring 11 points through field goals and extra points.
Were there any turnovers in the game?
Detroit committed one turnover, while Houston played a clean game with zero giveaways.
