DETROIT (AP) — Dan Campbell has seen a lot as an NFL player and coach.

But he had never seen anything like Sunday night.

The Lions overcame five Jared Goff interceptions — one more than he had thrown in the first eight games — and came back to beat the Houston Texans 26-23. They trailed 23-7 at halftime.

“The chances of winning a game with five turnovers are really low,” Campbell said. “It was a total team effort in every phase of the game.”

Kicker Jake Bates made a 58-yard field goal to tie the game in the fourth quarter and a 52-yard field goal to win it as time expired.

The Lions became the first team since the Atlanta Falcons in 2012 to win despite throwing five interceptions in a game.

Campbell credited the defense, which forced the Texans into three field goals in the first half before shutting them out in the second.

“It’s very difficult for a defense, because they’re there to keep them out of the end zone, and then we throw an interception two plays later and they’re back on the field,” Campbell said. “It was a huge performance, even before considering the two takeaways.”

Veteran cornerback Carlton Davis intercepted two passes from CJ Stroud in the second half, including one at the 3-yard line.

“I told CD on Saturday that he could be our best acquisition this season,” Campbell said. “How can you not love a coverage corner who can run, hit, stop the running game and catch two passes when we needed him to?”

What works

The Lions run defense dominated the Texans all night. Joe Mixon had an 8-yard touchdown run, but finished with just 46 yards on 25 carries.

“We knew he was the most dangerous offensive player we had to stop,” Campbell said. “He’s a very tough runner and he kept chasing us, but we managed to contain him.”

What needs help

Goff hadn’t thrown an interception in his last five games. No one expected him to throw five, but he had three in the first half and two more in the third quarter – turning the ball over on two plays after Davis’ first interception and three plays after his second .

“I honestly didn’t think I was playing bad,” Goff said. “I was seeing things well and throwing the ball well. I’ve been in much worse positions and I wasn’t going to let a few unfortunate mistakes get me down.

Despite the two interceptions in the third quarter, Goff went 8-for-13 for 149 yards and a touchdown in the second half.

Store

Bates started the year kicking at Ford Field, but for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL. That helped him catch the Lions’ attention by kicking a 64-yard field goal that was negated by a timeout and then coming back.

After a season where Campbell didn’t trust his kickers in big moments, Bates became an important part of Detroit’s record-breaking start.

Stock falling

Jameson Williams had 12 combined receptions and rushing attempts for 228 yards in Detroit’s first two games, making everyone believe he had finally arrived as the big-play threat the Lions so desperately needed. However, he had just 12 receptions and rushing attempts combined over the next seven games for 218 yards, including a catch for minus-4 yards on October 20 at Minnesota, followed by his two-game suspension for substance violations improving the performance of the league. policy.

He had three catches for 53 yards against Houston, but the Lions need him to return to his September form.

Injury report

TE Sam LaPorta left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury, but Campbell doesn’t think it will be a long-term issue. OT Taylor Decker missed the game with a shoulder injury. Campbell said he hopes both can return Sunday against Jacksonville.

Key number

5 – the number of wins the Lions have earned during a five-game stretch that included road games in Dallas, Minnesota, Green Bay and Houston. Their only home game was a victory against Tennessee.

To be continued

Clean up the turnovers and stay focused on the Jaguars (2-8).

___

AP NFL: