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Titans reasons for optimism and concern vs. Texans in Week 15

By Michael Moraitis

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Derrick Henry #22 celebrates with A.J. Brown #11of the Tennessee Titans after Brown scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 42-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Derrick Henry #22 celebrates with A.J. Brown #11of the Tennessee Titans after Brown scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 42-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin.
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans blocks J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Optimism: Texans’ defense

With the way the Titans are throwing the football right now, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must be licking his chops with the prospect of facing the Texans’ No. 27 pass defense in Week 15. It’s also a defense that doesn’t sport elite pass-rusher J.J. Watt, who is currently on IR.

Houston is also fresh off a game in which Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock just torched them for 309 yards and three scores in his second career start

Ryan Tannehill and the Titans offense are firing on all cylinders of late and come into this game as one of the hottest offenses in the NFL. Tannehill has thrown for over 300 yards in three of his seven starts and is coming off a contest that saw him throw for a season-high 391 yards. Most importantly, Tennessee’s offensive line is playing as good as it has all season long.

Houston also showed susceptibility to big plays in Week 14 after allowing five plays of 25 yards or more against the Broncos. With that being the case, we could see another big gain or two from rookie wideout A.J. Brown, who notched a 91-yard touchdown reception as one of his two scores in Week 14.

There will be cause for concern with Derrick Henry‘s health this week (more on that coming in a minute), but the Texans are also exploitable on the ground, which is great news for the Titans’ play action game. Houston is the No. 18 run defense in the league, allowing 109.5 rushing yards per contest this season.

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