DETROIT, Mich. –
Thanksgiving is all about tradition. You can expect turkey, pie, and a Lions loss.
For the ninth straight year, the Detroit Lions lost on Thanksgiving, this time to the Houston Texans in overtime 34-31. For a second straight year, there was some controversy and an issue with Ndamukong Suh’s foot.
In the first half, Suh’s left foot connected with the groin area of Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. It is unclear if it was intentional or not as Suh was being dragged to the ground by a Texans offensive lineman, but replays appeared to show Suh extending his leg toward Schaub as he was falling to the ground. That wasn’t the only controversial play in this game.
With the Lions up 24-14 midway through the third quarter, Texans running back Justin Forsett busted out an 81-yard touchdown run. However, during the run it was clear that Forsett was tackled well before scoring a touchdown. The NFL automatically reviews all scoring plays, but Lions head coach Jim Schwartz through out a challenge flag prior to the review getting started, resulting in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Because of the penalty, the run was no longer allowed to be reviewed and the touchdown stood.
The game was tied at 31-31 after regulation. Both teams had chances to win in overtime. Houston’s Shayne Graham had the first chance, but pulled a 51-yard attempt wide left on the Texans’ first drive of overtime. Lions kicker Jason Hanson had his shot later, but banged the right upright with his 48-yard attempt. On the ensuing drive, Graham won the game with a 32-yard field goal to move the Texans to 10-1 on the season. The Lions are now 4-7 this season.
