November 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws an incomplete pass as he is pressured by Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
The first half of Sunday's game felt like a statement from Jalen Pitre. His one-on-one issues were evident during the loss to the Jets, but he reminded everyone why he's playing nickel against the Lions.
Pitre was everywhere early in the game and was instrumental in slowing down the Lions' usual dominant ground game. He also disrupted a few screen passes, including a tipoff that led to Ward's interception.
Welcome back, Jimmie Ward (with help from Jalen Pitre)
Big turnover to open the game for the Texans.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV)
Houston was able to maintain their 4-2-5 defense because Pitre's skill set gave them flexibility to stop the run. He is a weapon for defense, even if he is occasionally beaten one-on-one.
Detroit found some answers to slow him down in the second half, but seeing Pitre's influence in the first was a positive step forward as Houston will see other dominant offenses like Baltimore and Kansas City down the stretch.
