Texans fans! Welcome to week 4, as our Houston Texans (0-3) faced off against a fellow bottom dweller in the Tennessee Titans (0-3). It isn’t breaking news to say that the home team is in desperate need
of a win. Through three weeks, they’ve suffered heartbreaking losses against the Rams, Buccaneers, and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the losses have only been by a combined 12 points, Bill Parcells would say “you are what your record says you are!”. Thus, the Texans are staring up at the Colts in the division and are looking for any way to break through today against another winless unit in the Titans.
We at BRB are officially on “Stages of Suck” watch, so there was a major point of emphasis on all the key figures who would be most impacted by the outcome today. That would be Stroud, DeMeco, Caserio, and Caley.
But, we’ll get into that later. Right now, let’s recap!
First Quarter:
(Texans take the lead 3-0 thanks to Fairbairn’s boot)
After a 12 plays and 35 yards, the Texans got on the board via a 47 yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn from the Tennessee 29. 3-0 Texans
Second Quarter:
(Texans extend the lead to 6-0, thanks again to Ka’imi’s kicking proficiency.)
After virtually the same scoring drive (11 plays, 60 yards, 4:37 minutes) as in the 1st Quarter, Ka’imi again delivers the goods with a 43 yard field goal from the Tennessee 25.
Halftime: Texans: 6, Titans: 0
Analysis: At the half, the teams have combined for 249 yards, three sacks, zero red-zone trips, two missed field goals (Titans, Slye) and five punts. Truly, a toilet bowl affair on the part of both squads.
The defensive performance was outstanding, limited the Titans to 123 yards and 0 red zone trips. Cam Ward went 7-17 for only 83 yards.
However, Nick Caley’s offense responded with 6 points and only 3 more yards total (126). That’s not going to cut it, even against a team like the Titans. Hopefully, they pick things up in the second half.
Third Quarter:
(Texans miss 54 yard field goal, score still 6-0)
After getting the ball first to start the second half, the Texans went 9 plays and 33 yards to set up Fairbairn for a 54 yard field goal attempt. Unfortunately, hs missed wide right to keep the score 6-0.
Fourth Quarter:
(Houston, we have a touchdown! Texans make it 12-0 on a Woody Marks reception)
After a drive in which the Texans went 102 yards (!) on 17 total plays, Cj Stroud capped things off by hitting rookie RB Woody Marks on a 12-yard pass to finally break the scoring seal and increase the lead to 12-0. They went for a 2-point conversion but it was no good.
It’s the first TD in the very young career of the 4th round pick out of USC. Great find by Caserio.
(INT! The Texans’ get their second pick of the season)
With roughly 12:49 on the clock, Titans QB Cam Ward was intercepted by Texans All-Pro Derek Stingley on a tipped pass intended for WR Elic Ayomanor. It was their second INT of the season and first for Sting.
(Another touchdown! Texans extend the lead to 19-0 on deep reception to Higgins)
CJ Stroud finally secured his first game of multiple touchdown passes at the 9 minute mark in the 4th quarter. This happened when rookie receiver Jayden Higgins beat his man and caught a 24 yard long ball to make it 19-0 Houston!
It was the first touchdown reception of Jayden’s career and the 4th on the season for CJ.
(A third touchdown in the fourth! Woody gets into the endzone a second time for a commanding 26-0 lead)
Woody Marks couldn’t be stopped today! Capping off a drive of 6 plays and 41 yards, the rookie took it to the house on a phenomenal run to the left side to push the lead to 26-0. He also took a few ankles along the way.
It was his second of the day and his first on the ground. That gave him both a rushing and passing score for the game. (It might be safe to assume that the Texans have found their RB1 until Joe Mixon makes it back. Again, great job by Caserio)
The Texans defense completed the shutout of Cam Ward and the Titans in the 4th quarter, first victory secured.
Final Score: Texans (1-3): 26, Titans (0-4): 0
Looking ahead:
The Texans have to follow up their best overall game of the season by visiting Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium next week at 12pm.
Maybe they have some juice after all?.. Let’s see how their encore performance goes.
Here is the game by the numbers: (below)
