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Titans Turn Over Texans On Theme Filled Sunday

Eternal AFC South rivals Tennessee and Houston engaged in a battle of comedic timing on Sunday. Who and what were the leading factors that led to an upset victory? What's next for each team?
Titans Texans

The Titans snuck one by the AFC South-leading Houston Texans on a Sunday full of themes that played out true to form. Houston’s young gunslinger, C.J. Stroud, did not play well against a ferociously prideful defense. Tennessee’s young gun more than held his own against a surging Houston defense. Once again, there was a comedy of errors by Colt Anderson’s men. Ultimately, it was a battle of special teams, and Tennessee came up with timely turnovers on the Texans, which carried the day for the now three-win Titans.

Titans Turn Over Texans On Theme Filled Sunday

The Texans left it late against their eternal blood enemies and paid the price for a barrage of Stroud errors, which the beleaguered stop unit under Dennard Wilson forced. They also made unforced errors, including the defense that extended drives for Will Levis.

Special Teams Leaving A Haunting Reminder

Titans fans were left red-faced and grumbling about Tennessee’s embattled special teams coordinator, Colt Anderson, from the jump. His unit gave up an immense kick return to Dameon Pierce, leading to Stroud’s opening touchdown pass.

If you thought the tragicomedy of the Titans’ adventures on special teams was through for the duration, you were wrong. Oh, so wrong. Punt returner Jha’Quan Jackson decided the best course of action was to run up and field a punt. He fumbled the ball away, leading to a Houston field goal that extended their lead to 27-23. Jackson wasn’t entirely done enforcing his will on the game, fielding a punt inside his five-yard line.

To buttress Jackson’s hilariously enigmatic afternoon, Ryan Stonehouse boomed a 38-yard punt that went sideways off his lower leg, which ended up being a game-changer. The punter did a serviceable job on his other punts that the defense used to their advantage.

Special Teams Leaving A Haunting Reminder Pt. 2

It wasn’t all bad for the Titans’ most hated unit, as the usually reliable Ka’imi Fairbairn missed one of the most straightforward field goals that would’ve tied the game. Stonehouse’s short punt and the defense’s getting lucky with an illegal shift nullifying a touchdown played a significant role.

Stonehouse had more theatrics, as his 61-yard punt near the end of the game, aided by a blindside block penalty, did the remaining damage for the Titans. The Texans backed up near their end zone, and Harold Landry took advantage for a safety on Stroud.

C.J. Stroud: Sophomore Slump?

Stroud has been making questionable decisions on his throws all season long, and Sunday’s game continued that theme. He’s thrown five interceptions this month, including two on Sunday, raising his total to seven and bringing his total to just 12 touchdown passes in 2024. There’s some disconnect between the passer, OC Bobby Slowik, and his receivers. He was largely ineffective today, using coverage busts to progress his numbers. A particularly horrific interception led to crucial points for the Titans at halftime.

For whatever reason, Stroud is experiencing some growing pains after a standout rookie campaign. From now on, the schedule will be more daunting. The Texans close out the season against the Chiefs, Ravens, and Titans—three defenses that will be licking their chops against the struggling Stroud. Houston is in pole position for control of the AFC South, but playoff seeding can get messy if they can’t right the ship in a hurry.

The Rise of Will Levis?

Since returning from injury, Levis has begun the process of becoming an effective passer right before our eyes. However, he has moments of ghastly errors that will be memed into eternity. Tennessee’s starter also has walked into numerous sacks despite good protection. He can be deadly when upright and entirely in control of his motor functions.

Weekly Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Touchdown

If you haven’t already, folks, pick him up in fantasy redraft leagues. He’s a threat to score every week because defenses don’t bother covering him.

What’s Next?

The Texans head to Jacksonville and face a club that’s arguably worse than the Titans, battling for the first overall selection.

Tennessee will head to Landover and face a reeling Commanders squad who just played in one of the wackiest fourth quarters in our lifetimes. Before the late afternoon slate is completed, the Titans are scheduled to earn the sixth overall selection.

Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports

Joseph Yun

Joseph Yun

Joseph is a veteran writer of many publications past and present. He is a long time Tennessee Titans fan and draft scouting along with writing about the league are passions. Mr. Yun has been credentialed to the Senior Bowl multiple times. Readers will find that he brings the juice with a scout's eye and analytical mind.

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