Could the AFC South potentially be better than we thought it was going to be? Signs are starting to point towards ‘yes.’ The Jacksonville Jaguars obliterated the Baltimore Raves 44-7 in London last week. The Houston Texans gave the New England Patriots fits. If not for some late-game Tom Brady heroics, the Texans would’ve stunned the defending Super Bowl Champions. And, then there are the Indianapolis Colts, who broke into the win column on Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Browns. At this point, the Colts are just trying to hang around until Andrew Luck returns. Then, they may make a push – who knows?
If that holds up, it’s imperative for the Titans to get wins in games like the one coming on Sunday in Houston. It’s a road divisional game, so you get the win, it’s almost like keeping one in your back pocket come season’s end. By the time the Titans face the Texans (and the Jags for that matter) again, it’ll be the final quarter of the season and those games will be held in Nashville. So, does it, in theory, make things a little easier on down the line? Yeah….sure.
But, to everyone thinking the Titans are riding high and this game will be a blowout, let’s pump the brakes. The Texans just gave the Patriots their best shot. They showed exactly what they’re capable of. Sure, there could be a bit of an emotional letdown. That seems to be the prevailing idea this week, “well, the Texans shot their shot against the Pats. They’re going to be let down this week.” But, shit, guys – the Titans exerted a lot of energy against the Seahawks, too!
That game was a slugfest, and if the Titans fan base felt a huge release after it was over, imagine how the players felt. So, that argument works both ways. You can catch a team riding high just as quickly as you can a team riding low.
In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m not really buying that argument. This is a rivalry game. Both of these teams are going to come in focused and ready to win, because at this point in the season, the AFC South is still up for grabs.
For the Texans, rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is looking like a revelation at quarterback. I mean, yeah – he’s going to make some rookie mistakes, but given the Texans quarterback situation the last several years, I’d say they’re starting to feel like they finally have the guy.
His mobility extended plays against the Patriots, and for a Titans defense that just spent several hours trying to chase down Russell Wilson, there has to be concern for Watson getting out of the pocket and making plays with his legs. It’s crucial for the Titans to not allow that to happen.
If they can keep Watson in the pocket, Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan, and Erik Walden should be able to tee off on the Texans’ mediocre offensive line.
As far as weapons go, it’s DeAndre Hopkins and everybody else. He’s had seven catches in every game this season, but has yet to amass 100 yards in a game. Outside of Hopkins, though, you’re looking at Tyler Ervin and Lamar Miller being the Texans leading receivers. Folks, those are both running backs.
X-Factor: For the Texans, Ryan Griffin had a bit of a coming out party last week. Five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown shows that he may be developing some nice chemistry with Watson. Also, if I’m the Titans, I’m looking at the day Brandin Cooks had against that Texans secondary and thinking about sending Taywan Taylor deep several times.
Texans Keys to the Game
- Watson has to protect the ball
- Get Hopkins involved early
- Discipline – don’t give the Titans yards on penalties, or they’ll wear you down with long sustained drives
Titans Keys to the Game
- Keep Watson in the pocket
- Lock down Hopkins
- Two big plays – I think the Titans can win this game on two big plays, plain and simple
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
Buy our shirt. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube. Shop our store on Redbubble.
