Best and Worst Graded Houston Texans Defensive Players vs. Detroit Lions

The best and worst-graded Houston Texans defensive players in their disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions.

Caleb Skinner | Nov 12, 2024

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) runs onto the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Houston Texans

The Houston Texans were cruising to a victory on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions in the first half as they took a commanding 23-7 lead into halftime but things soon fell apart as the team looked to be playing not to lose rather than to win. The Texans would go on to not score a single point in the second half and the Lions were able to walk out of Houston with a 26-23 win after a walk-off field goal.

The defense held the potent Lions' offense in check for the majority of the game and even forced Jared Goff into throwing five interceptions - potentially ruining his MVP case. Despite Goff's five turnovers, the Texans' offense wasn't able to muster any production off of it.

Houston's defense is the one constant that the Texans have been able to rely upon since the offense took a turn for the worst and have played admirably during this time, especially in the secondary. Even with their strong play, it was going to be tough to completely shut down the Lions' offensive prowess. Here is how the Houston Texans' defensive players graded out in the loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

Highest Graded:

1. CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 86.0

2. FS Calen Bullock

Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (21) reacts to his interception agains thee Detroit Lions in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 81.9

3. DE Danielle Hunter

Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) attempts a pass as Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) applies defensive pressure during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 80.9

4. SS Jalen Pitre

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) celebrates after making an interception during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 74.7

5. SS Jimmie Ward

Oct 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) reacts after making a tackle during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 70.8

Lowest Graded:

1. MLB Henry To'oTo'o

Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) celebrates his interception with teammates against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 29.1

2. DT Folorunso Fatukasi

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (91) and teammates react after stopping Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on fourth down in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 29.7

3. DT Tim Settle

Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. (98) prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 37.3

4. MLB Neville Hewitt

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt (43) and safety Calen Bullock (21) attempt to tackle Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 42.9

5. FS Eric Murray

Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Houston Texans safety Eric Murray (23) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) in the end zone at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette via the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-Imagn Images / Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette via the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 52.2

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