Titans Suffer Overtime Loss to Texans, 30-24: Week 2 Recap
Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) and wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) celebrate the winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during overtime at Reliant Stadium. The Texans won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
It was the first head-to-head battle between two AFC South teams during the 2013-14 NFL season. The Houston Texans were huge favorites as they hosted the Tennessee Titans in Reliant Stadium. Both teams were looking to improve to a 2-0 record.
The Texans got the better of the first meeting—barely. Down 24-16 with three minutes to go, Matt Schaub led two touchdown drives en route to a 30-24 overtime victory. Right before the end of the fourth quarter, Schaub led another drive that should’ve ended in the game-winning field goal. Instead, Randy Bullock missed his third field goal of the game. Bullock missed from 50, 50 and 46.
Each team scored a touchdown on their opening possession. One of the biggest differences came with the Texans’ ability to win the field-possession battle during the second half. The Titans offense included six three-and-outs, a safety and a touchdown drive. Alterraun Verner added another touchdown with a 23-yard interception return on a miscommunication from Schaub to DeAndre Hopkins.
It’s the second come-from-behind victory in as many week for a Texans team that has shown astounding resiliency. Despite losing Andre Johnson to injury late in the fourth quarter, Hopkins was able to make circus catch after circus catch toward the sideline. After a great defensive performance for the first 57 minutes, they appeared to run out of gas for the stretch run and overtime.
The Texans are in sole possession of first place. Earlier today, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 24-20. The Colts and Titans both have a 1-0 record. The Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars are currently in progress. The Jaguars lost their Week 1 game.
The Texans will meet the Titans in the last game of the regular season at LP Field. In Week 3, the Titans will host their home-opener when they face a San Diego Chargers team who’s coming off a 33-30 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s the first of three consecutive home games.
Check Titan Sized later tonight and tomorrow for more analysis of the performance. Who were the studs and duds? What were grades? Who was the Titans’ player of the week? All that and more.
SOURCES: ESPN Box Score