Tennessee Titans Trounced By Houston Texans Despite Run Game Revival

September 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) makes a tackle on Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) after a second quarter reception at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

It was a frustrating game for Tennessee Titans fans to watch as the Titans looked poised to upset the Houston Texans early in the 2nd quarter. The Titans defense was slow to start up, allowing a couple touchdowns early in the first quarter but rallied in the 2nd to put up an impressive defense that stifled the Texans run game and stopped them from completing passes.

The Texans defense returned the favor, though they were no match for RB Chris Johnson who finally found nice holes being created by his offensive line. Johnson ended the day with 141 yards on 25 carries.

QB Jake Locker went down on the Titans first series. His shoulder was reinjured by DE J.J. Watt. Hasselbeck came in and played the rest of the game in his place. While Hasselbeck did well, Lockers absence hurt the Titans and, in my opinion, was key in them losing the game. Hasselbeck also had a couple stray throws resulting in two pick sixes to FS Daniel Manning and CB Kareem Jackson of the Texans.

The Texans took over the game with the two touchdown interceptions. Their offense struggled to find any rhythm until late in the game. The Titans kept all of the Texans players quiet, keeping the Texans under 100 yards rushing collectively and holding Andre Johnson to 56 yards.

That game was the Titans to win with how well their defense was playing. The offense just couldn’t get it together to keep the points coming. The score is not an indication of how the Titans defense played.

If the Titans can field a fully healthy team and their run blocking stays as good as it was this game, they really are a team to watch. The first four games were the roughest on the Titans schedule. Many people had predicted the Titans would be 0-4 coming out of it, so it’s hard to be too upset, though obviously they have some issues.

Yeah the Titans lost, but there are a lot of positives to take away from a game we never thought the Titans would have a chance to win.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart