Lions take down Texans 26-23 for eighth straight win

The Detroit Lions have been able play complementary football the past several weeks. Heading on the road, it was paramount for Dan Campbell's squad to be on its game

The Detroit Lions were able to play complementary football over the past several weeks. Heading on the road, it was paramount for Dan Campbell's squad to be on its game, as there has been increased chatter this week about the team's potential to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

"It goes down to that every week. First of all, don't beat yourself," Campbell told Fox 2 Gameday Live. "Make that opponent earn everything they get. And then, your best foot forward. How do we get a little bit better and improve against an opponent who really plays the game a lot like we do? So, this is gonna be an excellent battle."

Lions fans again traveled well to Houston to observe one of the top teams in the NFC. With several players and coaches having ties to the area, playing well and executing were even more paramount.

Detroit did not play its best brand of football, as turnovers mounted and Houston took advantage early of a defense that did not have its new defensive end, Za'Darius Smith, in the lineup.

After 60 minutes of action, the Lions battled and left NRG Stadium with their eighth victory of the season, extending their winning streak to seven games.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions' 26-23 victory against the Texans.

Texans in passing lanes early, force interception

After winning the opening coin toss, Detroit elected to receive the football to start the game.

Jared Goff, who has been efficient and playing his best football over the course of several weeks, was picked off by safety Jimmie Ward on a pass intended for running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Safety Jalen Pitre was able to deflect the pass that resulted in the early turnover.

It was Goff's first interception since September, giving the Texans prime field position.

After starting on the Lions' 33-yard line, C.J. Stroud led the Texans on an eight-play drive that culminated in a Joe Mixon 8-yard touchdown rush. It gave his team an early 7-0 lead.

The Texans forced another interception in the second quarter, when pressure impacted Goff's ability to release the football quickly. Goff's pass intended for LaPorta was picked off by linebacker Henry To'oTo'o.

First quarter does not go Lions way

It was an uncharacteristically rough start for Campbell's squad in the first quarter.

After going three-and-out on its second offensive possession, punter Jack Fox did not deliver one of his better punts, only netting 40 yards.

The Texans were able to gash Aaron Glenn's defense on their second offensive possession. Without Za'Darius Smith, Stroud was able to evade pressure, and find Mixon for a 36-yard gain.

An offensive holding penalty derailed the Texans' drive, as they took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.

Jameson Williams sparks offense

Returning from a two-game suspension, the speedy wideout helped spark Detroit's offense.

Early in the game, Houston's defense was swarming to the football and making life difficult for Goff and Co. A deep try in the first quarter to Williams fell incomplete.

However, Williams was able to make his presence felt on the following series with a pair of long third-down connections with Goff. The first came on a bobble that he held onto for 23 yards on third-and-16, with the second being a 13-yard gain on third-and-6.

The veteran quarterback was able to lead Detroit on a 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown toss to tight end Sam LaPorta.

Run game struggles in first half

The Lions' offense struggled for much of the first half to find a rhythm. For a team that prides itself on being able to run the ball effectively, its normally potent run game was nowhere to be found.

Jahmyr Gibbs managed just 15 yards on six carries, while David Montgomery had four carries for six yards. As a result, the Lions were made one-dimensional. With the Texans getting pressure against the Lions' offensive line, many of Goff's passes were hurried or incredibly off-target.

The Lions were without Taylor Decker, and his absence was felt. The likes of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry were able to put heat on Goff throughout the game.

While the Lions' defense managed to hold the Texans to field goals on three consecutive possessions, the offense failed to generate momentum, and went three-and-out on back-to-back drives. The defense cracked on Houston's final drive of the half, as Stroud hit John Metchie for a touchdown to put Houston up 23-7 going into the break.

Chance for momentum thwarted by another Goff interception

Goff had his most turnovers of the 2