The Tennessee Titans extended their winning streak to two games and maintained their flawless division record with a commanding 27-3 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. With the win, the Titans improve to 11-1 overall and 5-0 in the division, continuing to lead the standings under head coach Jose Wilson.
The game began with the Texans winning the opening toss but the Titans immediately seized control with a 42-yard field goal by John Kerr, setting the tone early. Houston responded with a 54-yard field goal from James Kline to tie the game 3-3 in the first quarter. Kerr then put the Titans back in front with a 25-yard field goal just before the quarter ended, giving Tennessee a 6-3 lead.
Kerr remained perfect on field goal attempts, converting all four attempts throughout the game, including a 35-yard kick just before halftime and a 45-yard kick midway through the third quarter.
Phillip Richardson led the Titans' offense, completing 25 of 35 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown, while adding 11 rushing yards. The running game featured strong performances from David Debnam, who rushed for 100 yards and added 30 receiving yards, and Maurice Rooney, who contributed 49 rushing yards, 9 receiving yards, and the team's sole touchdown reception. Robert Hampton also scored on a rushing touchdown and contributed 13 receiving yards.
The Titans' offense effectively controlled the tempo, accumulating 417 total yards (228 passing, 189 rushing) and avoiding penalties. Their red-zone efficiency was notable, though they did not reach the end zone in red zone visits, relying on Kerr's dependable kicking to convert scoring opportunities.
Houston struggled offensively, managing only 208 total yards, with 196 passing yards and a mere 12 rushing yards. Quarterback John Raines completed 26 of 43 passes but threw two interceptions, hampering any momentum. The Texans' lone points came from Kline's early field goal, and they failed to convert on multiple possessions.
Defensively, the Titans registered two sacks and forced two interceptions from the Texans' quarterback, playing a significant role in limiting Houston's scoring and overall opportunities. Minimal penalties from Tennessee (zero for zero yards) contrasted with Houston's six penalties for 56 yards, which further hindered the Texans' efforts.
With the victory, the Titans have firmly clinched the division title and sit atop the league with one game remaining in the regular season. The Texans, with a 1-10-1 record and already eliminated from playoff contention, face ongoing challenges as they work to close out the season.
Head coach Jose Wilson’s squad showed balanced offensive production and disciplined defense to secure a convincing win over division rivals. The Titans will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for the final regular-season game and the postseason ahead.
Titans Dominate Texans 27-3 to Strengthen Division Lead
Chad Cooper
· Nashville Post
· 11/20/2016