James Houston IV Sets Record With 4-Game Sack Streak

Rookie linebacker James Houston IV recorded his fifth sack of the season against the New York Jets, and set more NFL history in the process.
James Houston IV Sets Record With 4-Game Sack Streak
James Houston IV Sets Record With 4-Game Sack Streak /

HOUSTON — NFL, you have "The Problem!"  Rookie linebacker James Houston IV notched his fifth sack of the season against the New York Jets in the Lions' 20-17 victory at MetLife Stadium.

James Houston IV sacks Jets QB Zach Wilson
Dec 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked by Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Each year in the NFL, there will be at least one player to prove NFL scouts wrong with a breakout season. This year's candidate is HBCU Legend, James Houston IV. Detroit's 6th-round pick was cut, signed to the practice squad, patiently waited, got the call, and has the Lions fans calling for him as "The Problem!"

"We're seeing James Houston from Jackson State go out there and make many plays with the Detroit Lions." Deion Sanders

After four games since being elevated off the practice squad for their annual Thanksgiving Day game, the former Jackson State star has set an NFL record or two or three!

James Houston IV sacks Zach Wilson
Dec 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throws the ball as Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Let's take a look at James "The Problem" Houston IV sacks:

  1. Houston has recorded five sacks in four-straight games and becomes the first NFL player since 2000 to start their career with this streak.
  2. The Problem is the 3rd player in NFL history to produce a sack in their first four games. Who were the other two players? Terrell Suggs in 2003, and Santana Dotson in 1992.
  3. He is the 14th NFL player to register a sack in their first three NFL games and the first Detroit player ever.
  4. Houston is the first Detroit Lions rookie to record four-straight games with a sack and tied the franchise's record for a defender doing the same.
  5. Comparison: The club's first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson has seven sacks on the season in 14 game appearances, compared to five sacks for Houston in four game appearances.
  6. The only Detroit rookie to have at least one sack in four-straight games. The other players with three straight games are Cliff Avril (2008) and Tracy Scroggins (1992).
  7. Houston (5 sacks) and Hutchinson (7 sacks) are the NFL's best rookie combo for sacks this season at 12.

Houston is maturing into becoming an edge rusher for the Lions and making the most of his opportunity.  He's doing what many NFL teams need — someone to effect, harass, and get to the quarterback.

The next phase in his maturation process is to become an "every-down" defender.  

It will be up to Houston and the Detroit staff to cultivate the potential of what HBCU teams knew about him in 2021. He's "The Problem" that very well could be "The Answer" to keep the Lions' streak going into the postseason.


Published
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: