Houston Texans Vs. Tennessee Titans: What To Look For

The Houston Texans are nearly to the midpoint of the season and it’s best to ascertain that they’ve up-and-down so far.

They’ve amassed a 3-4 record — I honestly think they could be 7-0 right now if they executed properly but because the team got some breaks in those three wins with the exception of Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders, to which they had control the whole game.

But with some of the turnovers and mishaps that I’ve seen so far, this team could easily be 0-7.

That certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start for a team that won just two out of 16 games last season.

The Texans were clicking on all cylinders early-in against the Pittsburgh Steelers but a total meltdown occurred on both sides of the football and this team found a way to lose.

It was in such embarrassing fashion that it reminded me of the 2013 season where things got so bad, one would have laugh off the ridiculousness that was seen out on the football field.

Nonetheless, the team now has an opportunity to redeem themselves against a struggling Tennessee Titans team that was hobbled through the season to a 2-5 record.

In a way, these two teams are identical — both working their earnest to find their identity while trying to make best of the talent that they have available. Neither team has a quarterback situation that is solidified.

I would honestly think that the Texans are the favorite in this game but I’m not holding my breath.

This team seems to find ways to lose so I just continue to keep my focus on one game at a time and hope for the win.

That’s why I deem this match up as an even one.

Here’s some things to look for as both teams take the field tomorrow afternoon:

Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback

Zach Mettenberger

(7) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK: Statistically, Ryan Fitzpatrick looked good against the Steelers this past Monday. He went 21-for-32 for 262 yards with two touchdowns and one pick for a 98.7 quarterback rating. However, there were many moments where he still could not help the team move the chains and this resulted in the offense unit either having Shane Lechler punt or sending Randy Bullock out just to put some points on the board. Bullock had nine of the team’s 23 points — almost half of them. The Titans are slightly better at defending the pass than the Texans — they’re ranked 21st giving up about 248 yards per game. I don’t see why Fitz won’t have another solid game out of him as he can use his legs and limited arm to try to march the Bulls down the field on each and every down. But my best guess is that he will have one his better games of the season against the Titans tomorrow as he faces his former team from this past season. As I mentioned previously, the QB situation is far from solid with the Titans and rookie QB Zach Mettenberger has been tapped to make his first career NFL start against the Texans. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he will stick with Mettenberger for the remainder of the season as Jake Locker continues to be plagued by injuries and Charlie Whitehurst not quite giving the team the opportunities that they need to excel. Locker will be available to play Sunday but only in case of an emergency as the No. 2 QB. Whitehurst has been demoted to the No. 3 slot. My best guess is that he will struggle at first with the pressure the Texans’ defense will give him but he does have a strong arm and they can’t let him loose to start experimenting. Ben Roethlisberger did some experimenting last week with the football earlier this week and one could infer where that got them.

Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans running back

Arian Foster

(23) is defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker

Vince Williams

(98) at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK: Arian Foster rushed for 20 carries for 102 yards, passing the century mark once again for the team. It’s quite clear that no opponent can stop him from getting his so I do expect another monster game out him tomorrow. He did slow a bit later in the game against the Steelers and I think the reasoning is two-fold. Firstly, he wanted to let off the gas to not over-exert himself; and secondly, the Steelers turned it up just slightly in regard to their coverage on him. He should be able to run wild-and-free this Sunday — the Titans are ranked 22nd, giving up about 124 rushing yards per game. They should be right at their average in tomorrow’s performance and Foster will have the bulk of those yards. Veteran RB Shonn Greene is their top back but has been largely ineffective so far — he only has 44 carries off 190 yards on the season. He has had quite a few injuries limiting his action out of the football field. He is probable to play tomorrow. Rookie back Bishop Sankey has 66 carries off 267 yards on the season starting once for Greene back during Week 6 in their 16-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. I think Greene’s job is in jeopardy and it’s apparent that Sankey is the better fit at that position. Be on the lookout for the talented back if things go sour on their running game. Greene was also arrested last night on a resisting stop charge so his availability is definitely in jeopardy. This is more reason to keep your eye on Sankey now.

Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans receiver

DeAndre Hopkins

(10) is defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback

Cortez Allen

(28) on a 23-yard reception in the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVER: I see Fitz spreading the ball around to all of our receivers — Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and Damaris Johnson — with Hopkins standing out as the top ball-catcher. He seriously could go for 100 yards and it will be one of his better games of the season. In terms of physical ability, he can catch from just about anywhere and I’m sure Fitz will test how good the Titans’ secondary really is. He may even incorporate the tight ends as well in the passing game. Kendall Wright is the top wide out for the Titans, he’s one of the more talented ones in the league so they have to be careful not to let him get hot. He has 32 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Nate Washington is also available on the other side but he has been largely ineffective catching 13 balls for 169 yards on the season. Keep your eye on Wright — Mettenberger has a strong arm and he will be targeting him plenty, it’s up the Texans’ secondary to put a stop to any run he may lead.

Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end

J.J. Watt

(99) fights through a double team block by Pittsburgh Steelers guard

David DeCastro

(66) and tackle

Mike Adams

(76) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSE (FRONT 7 & SECONDARY): J.J. Watt‘s motor will be too much for the Titans as he propels himself to get to the quarterback — I think Mettenberger will be absolutely terrorized as he faces an offensive that has allowed 18 sacks so far this season between Whitehurst and Locker. I expect to see an excellent game out of him because he is simply no match for the Titans. This will even be more so if Jadeveon Clowney is cleared to play tomorrow. His presence is going to change things for the Texans defensive schemes and how teams will have to prepare him. I do not expect him to go full tilt he does give it a go and his snap count will be limited. He could be used quite a bit on third downs as those are the ones they’d likely need him the most. This will definitely take a load off Watt who is just about everywhere on the field. Brian Cushing will try to give it a go but may not play and has been ruled day-to-day by Bill O’Brien. Brooks Reed has said that “it’s looking pretty good” that he will play tomorrow. Reed definitely has to step it up a few notches — he’s been largely a no-show but has tackled and blocked quite well when the opportunities were there. He just has to make some plays. The Texans defensive woes as a whole continue with the team being ranked 26th in the pass rush giving up 269 yards per game. The Texans are getting a bit better at defending the run elevating themselves to the middle of the pack at 20th in the league giving up 119 yards per game. They were a lot worse earlier in the year. The Texans continue to be enabled to force turnovers but have slid from No. 1 in the league a few weeks ago to be tied for 14th with 15 of them. Other than Watt and Kendrick Lewis, I’d like to see an all-out tenacious effort from this important unit especially from D.J. Swearinger whose performance has waned and he missed a big tackle on Antonio Brown last week. He just needs to cut the trash talk and let his game communicate for itself and start breaking up some catches! This unit can do it and I hopeful they make it count against the Titans.