Sunday's game was, on the whole, anything but pretty for the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Will Levis was sacked eight times and threw one interception that was recovered for a touchdown, and Tennessee's special teams unit allowed the Houston Texans to return the opening kickoff for 81 yards that set them up for a touchdown just 18 seconds into the game. The Titans also had three fumbles in the game, two of which resulted in field goal drives for the Texans.
The Titans have fallen victim to their own mistakes plenty of times throughout the 2024 season, often unable to find the momentum to mount a comeback. But against the Texans – at NRG Stadium, no less – they were able to overcome their mistakes and take down the top team in the AFC South, 32-27.
"The coolest part of the whole game was how this team fought," Titans head coach Brian Callahan said. "Our guys did a nice job of not flinching, and keeping the blinders down. It was just great to see how our guys fought, and finally we have a chance to have something to show for it, and that's what I'm most happy about."
The Texans struck first, with their 81-yard opening kickoff return and the ensuing touchdown, but the Titans responded by scoring on their first three drives with a 51-yard field goal by kicker Nick Folk and touchdowns from wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and running back Tony Pollard, respectively. Folk would finish the game with three made field goals, with two from 51 yards and one from 56 yards.
Pollard had 24 carries for 119 yards and Levis was 18-of-24 for 278 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 123.3. On the other hand, Texans running back Joe Mixon had 14 carries for only 22 yards, which was still a team-high. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was 20-of-33 for 247 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Nico Collins had five receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown, but Houston's inability to get the run game going put them at a large disadvantage.
"They're a really good front," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said of the Titans. "We knew that going into the game. But it doesn't matter. Every front is good. You have to own the line of scrimmage, you have to be able to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball. We didn't. We had too many negative plays in the running game. Defensively, we didn't set the edge well, and the ball got outside a ton, and we didn't tackle well. All of those mistakes are the making for a pretty bad run defense."
Tennessee finished with a total of 369 offensive yards, with 132 rushing yards. Houston totaled 260 yards with only 40 rushing yards. The Texans were also whistled for 11 penalties for 81 yards.
"It was a disappointing loss for us," Ryans said. "We didn't do anything well enough to win this game...too many negative plays. Score, get a penalty, get touchdowns called back. Get penalties on special teams. Just way too many negative plays defensively, like unexplainable explosives for touchdowns. We just didn't pay good across the board."
The Texans offense also struggled to stay consistent throughout Sunday's game; they scored 17 of their 27 points in the first half and were unable to convert in crucial moments in the fourth quarter. With just under two minutes left on the clock, kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was set up for s 28-yard field goal that would tie the game. But even though he'd made two other field goals already – a 28-yarder and a 54-yarder – this one sailed wide left and the Texans still trailed.
Houston was able to force Tennessee to go three-and-out and Stroud got the ball back with 1:29 to go, but he was sacked in the end zone for a safety that sealed the Titans' win.
"Everybody has to look at themselves in the mirror and try to get things fixed," Stroud said. "That will be the plan this week. Practicing and getting better. Personally, I have to get better. As a team, we have to get better."
The Texans move to 7-5 on the season, while the Titans are now 3-8. And while both teams recognize they have areas that require improvement, the Titans were able to head home with a victory in what has been a largely frustrating and disappointing season.
"It feels awesome," Levis said. "A lot of people have been working hard to get a win like this, and (I'm) just happy from top down, the whole organization. It was good to come here and get a win."
The Titans next face the Washington Commanders, while the Texans will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
