The Houston Texans can switch defensive play callers. They can engage in trade talks for wide receivers. They can talk about what’s gone wrong.
When the ball is kicked off, the players need to play better.
DeMeco Ryans and his adjustments to defensive calls will help, but guys have to play better, flat-out. That will help more than anything.
The defensive backs have to cover better. They’ve been more disappointing than anything on this team. When the ball comes their way, they can’t drop interceptions as they have so often in the losses. Everyone behind the defensive line needs to tackle better. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have been excellent. That must still be the case.
The offense isn’t escaping criticism. The blocking has been bad. It must get better. Nico Collins has to remain a force on offense. Nick Caley was dialed in, but it can be better. No three-and-outs late in the game to put this defense in tougher spots. Touchdowns, not field goals.
This game isn’t about the opponent. The only way the Tennessee Titans beat the Houston Texans is with help from the Texans.
Start building the momentum necessary to turn this season around by playing to the level of talent these players have previously shown.
One Player to Watch
Jeffery Simmons can destroy this game. He is one of the best players the Texans will face all year. He can manhandle this underperforming interior offensive line. You can’t stop Simmons, but you must contain him. He will make plays, but he can’t take over. The Texans were drawn to Dexter Lawrence in week two like the massive defensive tackle had a magnet on him. Don’t fall into Simmons’ gravity and let him spark a better-than-you-think Titans defense.
One Matchup to Watch
Wan’Dale Robinson has to be licking his chops to see Jalen Pitre in coverage. The Texans can’t let the diminutive slot receiver torture Pitre. This isn’t a cover matchup that favors the Texans. Robinson has a touchdown in back-to-back games. The statistics aren’t overwhelming, but after last week, the Titans have to think about attacking Pitre with their slot weapon.
One Stat to Watch
The Tennessee Titans have cut their sack percentage in half. They’re also allowing less pressure than last season. It’s impressive, because the offensive line was one of the worst parts of last year’s abysmal team. Tennessee has allowed one sack in the last two games. Cam Ward doesn’t handle pressure particularly well, but he is using his legs more to try to escape pressure. The Texans must make Ward uncomfortable and get home for sacks.
Score Prediction
The Houston Texans win 24-9. The Houston Texans have scored plenty when Nico Collins has been on the field. The Tennessee Titans haven’t played amazing offenses, but they have limited opponents from lighting them up. The Texans should be able to put up plenty of points. As for the defense, now led by DeMeco Ryans? Last year, it was a shutout of the Titans when the play-calling duties were passed. This year, the Titans sneak a few field goals onto the board. The Texans get win number one.