The Detroit Lions’ defense bounced back from a rocky first half to stifle CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans on Sunday night, securing a 26-23 win on the road.
Despite missing former Defensive Player of the Year contender Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions managed four sacks on Stroud and held Houston scoreless in the second half.
Detroit’s pass rush could improve further this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as recent trade addition Za’Darius Smith, previously with the Cleveland Browns, prepares for his debut in the Lions’ Honolulu Blue and Silver at Ford Field.
Smith shared his excitement for Detroit’s NFC North-leading eighth win, posting a message supporting his new teammates.
“Great team win!! I can’t wait,” Smith wrote, adding a clock emoji hinting at his upcoming Lions debut.
He also showcased his “new profile pic,” taken courtside at a Detroit Pistons game in downtown Detroit before Sunday’s Houston game.
Smith, with five sacks so far this season, last recorded one on October 27 against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, last year’s AFC runners-up.
He’s expected to bring a strong pass-rushing presence to Detroit’s talented defensive line, which includes emerging stars Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, and others.
