In a season already filled with comeback victories and cardiac finishes, the Detroit Lions may have authored their most improbable triumph yet on Sunday night. Staring down a 16-point halftime deficit and a nightmarish five-interception performance from quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit rallied for a stunning 26-23 overtime win over the Houston Texans.
Bates Goes From Bricklayer to Hero
The star of Detroit’s unforgettable evening was an unlikely one – kicker Jake Bates. Just over a year and a half ago, Bates was nearly ready to give up on his NFL dream, training for a career as a bricklayer in Houston. But given an opportunity with the Lions this season, he made the very most of it at NRG Stadium on Sunday night.
Bates drilled a 58-yard field goal with just over 5 minutes remaining in regulation to knot the score at 23. Then, after the Lions defense held firm, the local Texas product trotted back out with 3 seconds left in overtime and calmly nailed a 52-yarder to seal the victory. The twin kicks marked the third-longest field goals in Lions history.
I just don’t deserve this. I was a soccer player growing up, I idolized football players in the NFL and all that stuff and just to be here is surreal. I’m still finding myself kind of pinching myself. I’m so grateful for all the doors that the Lord’s opened for me.
Jake Bates, Lions kicker
Overcoming Goff’s Nightmare
For most of the evening, it appeared Detroit’s valiant efforts would be undone by the erratic play of quarterback Jared Goff. The former Pro Bowler threw a career-high 5 interceptions, continuously giving Houston premium field position and stifling the Lions’ attempts to seize control.
But even in the face of Goff’s struggles, Detroit refused to wilt. The Lions’ defense produced timely stops, punctuated by 2 interceptions from cornerback Carlton Davis. And Goff managed to put his dismal start behind him, leading three straight scoring drives to close out regulation and force overtime.
I think ultimately, I never lost confidence because I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to do on most of those plays and our defense really bailed us out. They really did all day and guys stuck with me on offense and I was telling them, ‘Hey man, I’m good. Just hang in there. I’m good. I’m gonna have this thing figured out’ and they stuck with me.
Jared Goff, Lions quarterback
Making History
Sunday’s 16-point comeback marked several entries in the NFL record books:
- Largest halftime deficit overcome by a team whose QB threw 5+ interceptions
- Goff became only the 4th QB in NFL history to throw 5 picks in a road game and still emerge victorious
The heart-stopping win also pushed Detroit’s record to 8-1, the team’s best start since way back in 1954. The Lions have now reeled off 7 straight victories, with 4 of their last 5 coming away from the friendly confines of Ford Field.
Campbell’s Culture Shining Through
Through all the twists and turns, head coach Dan Campbell has never wavered in his belief in this Lions squad. The passion and resilience Campbell has instilled has been on full display during the team’s torrid streak, never more apparent than in Sunday’s Texas-sized comeback.
Look, I feel really good about our team. They haven’t done anything that would surprise me negatively. They’re exactly what I thought they would be, the fight they got in them.
Dan Campbell, Lions head coach
Not many gave Detroit much of a chance after falling behind big in Houston. But if Campbell’s Lions have taught us anything so far in 2024, it’s to never count them out. With unshakable belief, a flair for the dramatic, and a newly-minted folk hero in kicker Jake Bates, this team has quickly become the talk of the NFL. How they’ll manage to top Sunday’s theatrics when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11 is anyone’s guess. But Detroit’s magical mystery tour shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
