The Detroit Lions' defense recovered from a shaky first half to put the clamps on CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans on Sunday night, staking the Lions to a 26-23 road victory.
The Lions sacked Stroud four times even without the services of former Defensive Player Of The Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson as they held Houston to zero second half points.
The Lions' pass rush is expected to get even better this upcoming weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars with trade acquisition Za'Darius Smith, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, preparing to make his debut in the Honolulu Blue and Silver at Ford Field on Sunday.
Smith could not contain his excitement for the Lions' NFC North leading 8th win of the season on Sunday as he released a message in support of his new Detroit teammates.
"Great team win!! I can't wait," Smith added along with a "clock" emoji signifying his forthcoming Lions debut.
Smith also touted his "new profile pic," taken at courtside of a Detroit Pistons game in downtown Detroit prior to Sunday's game in Houston.
Nov 8, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Newly acquired Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) from the Cleveland Browns poses for a picture during the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Smith has recorded five sacks so far this season, his last coming on October 27 against Lamar Jackson and last year's AFC runners-up the Baltimore Ravens.
He is expected to add a physical pass rusher along the Lions' star-studded defensive line that includes rising stars Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader and others.
