Locker room buzz: Davis gains back respect, Houston finding confidence, Skipper 'tanked,' origin of celebration and more

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Houston — Here’s what I learned bouncing around the Detroit Lions’ locker room following the team’s 26-23 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Earning respect

Carlton Davis III became the first Lions cornerback to intercept a pass this season when he secured not one, but two in the third quarter of the victory. It turns out he had carried a little extra motivation to make a play in this game than most realized.

In 2023, while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Davis had one of the worst games of his career. According to Pro Football Focus, he surrendered seven receptions on eight targets, including three touchdowns. For context, he only gave up two touchdowns in the other 11 games he played.

Davis noted the third score against Houston was also a game-winner.

Now, you see, Davis is a man who believes in earning respect. And after that performance against the Texans, he was convinced the opponent had no reason to respect him. He needed to earn it back.

“It was probably one of the worst games I've ever had my any life here,” Davis said. “…I wanted to get payback. Honestly, it's never personal for me, but I did feel that in my heart. When we were losing, I just told myself, ‘Bro, we got to make a play. I'm not going out sad to these guys twice.’”

“They're a great team, well-coached guys, but at the same time we are too,” Davis said. “The emotional state just kind of took over, and I was like, ‘I'm making a play regardless.’ I couldn't leave this stadium twice two years in a row not being able to say I'm a winner and not being able to overcome this team.”