Derek Stingley Jr.'s electrifying pick-six ignites the Texans' first score, showcasing the defense's game-changing power amidst offensive struggles.
There is more than one way to win a football game in the NFL. The Houston Texans (9-5) are acquainted with several of them and might have been employing a new one against the Las Vegas Raiders early in Sunday's matchup.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud got off to a rough start with four completions on nine attempts for just 14 yards. Stroud's 1.6 yards per attempt gave him a 51.6 passer rating despite no interceptions to drive down the total. Even so, the first quarter ended with the Texans holding a seven point lead.
The Houston lead did not have anything to do with the running game either. The Texans rushing attack of Jawhar Jordan and Nick Chubb combined for five yards on three carries. Through one quarter of play Houston had 19 yards on 12 offensive plays.
Despite the lack of offensive production, the defense proved effective. Houston commanded a lead thanks to an interception by former LSU Tigers defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley made a play that might end up on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays by Monday morning.
With just under 11 minutes left in the first quarter, Las Vegas Raiders signal caller Geno Smith rolled right looking to pass to his running back in the flat on third and 1. Stingley looked to match a vertical route by the Las Vegas tight end before passing off the vertical to another defender downfield. Then Stingley booked it upfield to lock down the flat.
Smith appeared to think Stingley would carry up the tight end's vertical downfield, but by the time he realized Stingley had baited the throw, his throwing motion had already started.
Stingley jumped in front of the pass, having to fall to his knee to reach for it. Fortunately for Stingley the Raiders receiver was unable to contact him when his knee hit the ground.
Stingley got up, pivoted and the Texans caravan took off to the end zone with several Houston defenders getting in the way to aid his pursuit of the end zone.
Houston's defense has received plenty of flowers for its play in 2025. After all, it has been the best defense in the league for much of the season. However, it's not only the team's ability to limit offense that has given the Texans so much from its defensive unit. The Texans have turned mistakes into scores this season. They did it again on Sunday.