Houston Texans At Tennessee Titans: Week 17: Takeaways

ByBrian K. Patterson|Jan 1, 2017, 4:48 PM EST

Jan 1, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans have mysteriously ended the season with a 9-7 record and are still awaiting their yet to be determined opponent in the AFC Wild Card round next weekend.

Bill O’Briendid mention that he wanted to play to win this week but those thoughts started going out the window as a bizarre set of events started to unfold.

But before we get to that, let’s start out with the beginning of the game.

With a couple of three-and-outs to start, the Tennessee Titans started to get extremely physical with the Houston Texans as if they were playing to win.

It got so physical thatTom Savagegot sacked bySean Spenceon the Houston Texans’ seven-yard causing him to have the ball stripped away by defensive endDaQuan Jonesto run in for the touchdown.

It was a totally unacceptable play to happen and it was because teams continue to try to make things happen off the right side of our offensive line, which comprises ofJeff AllenandChris Clark.

Although there’s no question these guys have effort in what they do, they have consistently shown that they cannot hold back stronger defensive lines, allowing their guys to punch through and get to the quarterback.

After that debacle, the Texans trailed the Titans 7-0.

At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, on a 4th-and-1, Bil O’Brien elected to go for it with Savage running in for the extra yard.

More fromHouse of Houston

He was successful in getting the yard but was at the bottom of a huge pile of defensive linemen and it took while for him to get up.

Although he did get up on his own power just fine, he had the Houston Texans training staff evaluate his condition by going to the locker room but eventually returning to the sideline before the end of the half.

As I expected,Brock Osweilerwas back under center for the Texans, playing with a sense of passion and urgency to try to help this team get a win.

He did get the Texans within field-goal range with 4:27 left in the half butNick Novak‘s field goal banged wide right, continuing to make the Texans scoreless thus far.

And in the middle of all of that,Quintin Dempsnabbed his 6th pick of the season off Cassel putting him in 2nd place — at least for now — behindCasey Hayward.

Then with 2:31 left in the half,Matt Casselgot the Titans in the red zone for the touchdown after a seven-play, 36-yard drive toRishard Matthewsfor the touchdown.

This now put the Titans up 14-0.

At the start of the 2nd half, the Texans came out firing, by picking up the pace with Osweiler getting the Texans in scoring position with a 13-play, 81-yard drive.

He hitC.J. Fiedorowiczoff a four-yard pass with Novak’s kick being good, allowing for the Texans get on the board to trail 14-7.

More from Houston Texans

With as well as Osweiler was playing, the Texans decided to keep Savage out for the rest of game.

Whether it was to evaluate him more for a concussion or just to keep him healthy for next week, the Texans erred on the side of precaution.

But just a few minutes later, the Titans answered with impressive drive to hit a speedyDerrick Henryfor a 2-yard run for the touchdown.

This put the Titans up 21-7.

Robert Nelson, our backup corner that was covering him, had tire marks all over his No. 32 jersey.

There’s a reason why he’s a backup and that failure of coverage explained as to why.

Toward the end of the 3rd quarter, the Texans got back in field-goal range allowing Novak to nail a 26-yarder.

Ryan Succopthen answered with field goal of his own, making the score at the end of the quarter 24-10.

Then something incredible happened…

Osweiler, with 8:30 left in the 4th, got the Texans in the red-zone off a 14-play, 75-yard drive and awkwardly pushed his gangly 6’8″ frame through the end zone for the touchdown!

This put the Texans back within one score but they were never able to make headway to get back in formation to score.

The Titans put tremendous pressure on Brock to ensure none of those shenanigans would rear their ugly heads once again.

The Texans eventually fell to the Titans 24-17.

Osweiler finished the game, completing21-of- 40 passesfor253 yards,one touchdown, zero interceptions for a 80.5 QB rating.

Next: Is A.J. Bouye An 'Elite' Corner Now?

Not too shabby my friend — I had a feeling Brock was going to bring it if he got the opportunity because I don’t know about you, but getting benched is not a good feeling.

DeAndre Hopkinsled the attack in the air withseven catches for 123 yards.

This was his first double-digit catching game sinceWeek 2against the Kansas City Chiefs where he had 113 yards.

Because the Titans are good with rush defense, there wasn’t much to write home about withAlfred Blueleading the pack with11 carries for 28 yards.

This would’ve been a nice game to win but wasn’t essential as it’s most important our key guys are healthy for next week in the playoffs.

But has Osweiler gotten his job back after playing so well?

Only time will tell — I still expectTom Savageto get the start.

Go Texans.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/Houston Texans