Official Texans vs. Titans Game Thread, 9/30/2012

[Arky]

The Texans (3-0) will be hosting the Tennesse Titans (1-2) noon Sunday at Reliant in a divisional game. The heavily favored Texans will be looking to keeping the train rolling in the right direction as they begin to make a push for the post-season. Last week the Texans went to Denver and won 31-25.

The Titans are coming off their first victory of the year - a wild 44-41 OT win last Sunday against the Detroit Lions. QB Jake Locker likes to chunk the ball to WR's Nate Washington, Damian Williams, rookie Kendall Wright and TE Jared Cook (quest.). WR Kenny Britt is also questionable. QB Jake Locker has more rushing yards (8 rushes/67 yds) than RB Chris Johnson (33 rushes/45 yds). RB Javon Ringer is probable.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), Sunday noon CST

Announcers (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2012/wk4.html) = Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 12 to 13.5

[HPF Bob]

WR Kenny Britt is also questionable.

Understatement alert! ;)

If we show up as we should, this ought to be an easy win. But I don't want to jinx us by getting out ahead of this.

It should be fun to watch.

[barrett]

I'm kind of glad Tennessee spent their trick plays last week against Detroit. Hopefully both teams are playing a pretty even keel game emotionally and it comes down to talent and exectution.

Tennessee has been one of the worst run defenses in the NFL so far, and that is against 3 pretty average (at best) running teams. We should be able to have our way on the ground in this one. On defense hopefully we have the opposite gameplan from last week (this time take away the big plays and make them march the field). Locker is not accurate enough and they don't run it nearly well enough to put together long drives against us. Although the mobility at QB is always a concern.

[Arky]

Understatement alert! ;)



Why is that an understatement? :confused:

Britt (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, but coach Mike Munchak is hopeful that he will by end of week, John Glennon of the Tennessean reports.

[HPF Bob]

Why is "questionable" an understatement?

On April 12, 2011 Britt was arrested in New Jersey on three counts (including a felony) following an alleged car chase with police. The charges were later reduced.[4] On June 7, Britt pled guilty to careless driving and was fined.[5]

On June 8 Britt was arrested in Hoboken, NJ, charged with resisting arrest.[6]

Britt was suspended for the first game of the 2012 season due to numerous incidents involving police.[3]

Questionable in terms of mental health, not physical health.

[Arky]

Questionable in terms of mental health, not physical health.

Hokaaaay.... :)

---------------------------------

Looks like AJ and JJo are both nursing groin injuries..... AJ has been moved to probable and JJo is probably a gametime decision. If JJo is out, Ball will be his replacement.

[WMH]

Saw this little nugget in Paul K's AFCS Blog....WOW, didn't realize that.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/41610/final-word-afc-south-52

"Also: The Texans seek the first 4-0 NFL start in the city’s history. They’ve never done it, and the franchise never did it in its 37 seasons in Houston as the Oilers, either. … "

[chuck]

Saw this little nugget in Paul K's AFCS Blog....WOW, didn't realize that.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/41610/final-word-afc-south-52

"Also: The Texans seek the first 4-0 NFL start in the city’s history. They’ve never done it, and the franchise never did it in its 37 seasons in Houston as the Oilers, either. … "

The good Oilers teams back in the early 90s tended to start terribly. I think one of those teams, 1992 maybe, started 1-4.

[WMH]

The good Oilers teams back in the early 90s tended to start terribly. I think one of those teams, 1992 maybe, started 1-4.

Yep, remember that all too well.......

Still though, 47 years without a 4-0 start? Kind of mind boggling.

[Nconroe]

Last week Tennesse had a punt return for a TD and a 105 yd kick return for a TD so hopefully our specials teams are playing their lanes and tackling well.

Titans pass defense hasn't been great but they got an interception for a pick six also, so hopefully we continue to protect the ball and not throw any interceptions.

Locker had several deep throws for TD also so good news JJo practiced Friday and will make out pass defense better.

I think our offense should run and pass successfully, and gets off to a quick start.

I'd like to see the defense front seven get lots of pressure and sacks.
Will try to watch both OLB play.

Hopefully Chris Johnson continues his miserable 33 caries for 45 yards season.

And Titans scored 21 points in 4Q so defense and offense need to play the full games, even if have a lead after three quarters.

[WMH]

Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) tweeted:
Titans WR Kenny Britt is not playing due to an ankle injury.

[TheMatrix31]

Dominate them.

[Arky]

Here we go...........

--------------------------------

Texans to receive the kickoff....

Holliday brings the kickoff back to the Texan 23.

[Arky]

Schaub rolls out and can't find a receiver, throws it away, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Slant to AJ goes for big gainer. 33 yards.

Another pass to AJ goes for 20. Ball at the Titan 23.

Foster for about 4 or 5. Brings up 2nd and 5.

Foster sweeps left for 5 and a 1st down.

Foster for 3. Ball at the Titan 11. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Pass over the middle to Casey goes for the TD!

Texans 7, Titans 0

11:41 left in the 1st quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

Boom. Thor.

[chuck]

Suck it, Munch.

[Arky]

Titans bring the kickoff back to about their 18.

-----------------------------

CJ goes for 13 on the left side.

Pass to Wright is not handled, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ for about 5. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass is tipped by Reed, inc. Titans have to punt.

Holliday upended at the Texan 22 on the return. Texans ball.

[Arky]

9:56 left in the 1st quarter.

Deep pass down the sideline to KW inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dumpoff to Tate gets 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster gets stood up at the LOS. Texans have to punt.

Titans bring the kickoff back to their 15 but flag on the play. Illegal block in back on Titans, 1/2 the distance, places the ball at the Titan 9.

[chuck]

I'm really disappointed Tate didn't pick up that first.

[TheMatrix31]

Love these TFLs

[TheMatrix31]

Good God Almighty.

[Arky]

CJ tackled for loss by Watt, -1. 2nd and 11 coming up.

CJ for 3 or 4 on the left side. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Locker planted by GQ for the sack! Titans have to punt. Locker injured on the play, looks like his hand...... injury timeout.

[chuck]

One thing that absolutely blows about these early games in comparison with the later games is the outrageous number of commercials.

[Arky]

Holliday brings the punt back to the Titan 47. Texans ball.

----------------------------

Foster sweeps right for 3.

Foster for 6. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Texans use a timeout at the LOS.

-----------------------------

Foster stumbles - don't think he got it.... Makes it 4th and 1. Texans to go for it.

Tate goes right for about 5 and the 1st down.

Short pass to Casey goes for 11. Ball at the Titan 22.

Dumpoff to Casey goes for 6.

Foster for 3. Makes it 3rd and a long 1.

Dump to Martin goes for 1.... Texans face 4th and inches..... Kubes challenges the spot....

[Arky]

Replay shows that Martin got enough for the 1st down.....

Foster for 7. 2nd and 3 from the Titan 4.

Foster punches it in for the TD!

Texans 14, Titans 0

17 seconds left in the 1st quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

Take that bow, Arian!

[Arky]

Titans bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 16.

-----------------------

Hasselbeck in at QB.

Pass to Cook goes for big gainer, 25 yards.

End of the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

CJ caught in the backfield for -7. 2nd and 17 coming up.

Hasselbeck's pass can't find a home, inc. 3rd and 17 coming up.

Pass over the middle to Wright is dropped but flag on the play. Illegal formation on the Titans is declined. Titans to punt.

Titans down the punt at the Texan 11. Texans ball.

[chuck]

Looks like we'll see more of Jones.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Oy, dumpoff to Tate loses yards. Makes it 3rd and 16 coming up.

Foster gets tripped up after a 7 yard gain. Texans have punt. OG Caldwell injured on the play..... injury timeout.... Caldwell helped off the field...

12:53 left in the half.

-----------------------------

Titans don't get much on the return, fumble and a flag is down. Illegal block in the back on Titans places the ball at the Titan 23. Titans ball.

[chuck]

I don't know on what universe Locker is better than Hasselbeck.

[Arky]

CJ for 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.

CJ for about 5 and a 1st down.

Pass to Williams gets 10 but flag is down. Offensive PI on the Titans brings it back. Makes it 1st and 20.

CJ for 6. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Pass to Washington gets 13. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Dumpoff to Q Johnson gets a big gainer and the 1st down.

CJ goes left side for 19. Ball at the Texan 19.

Pass over the middle to Stevens goes for the TD. Play is under review......

Play is ruled a TD....

Texans 14, Titans 7

7:52 left in the half.

[Arky]

Holliday brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 23.

------------------------------

Foster goes left for 6.

Foster for 2. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Pass to OD goes for the 1st down at the Texan 38.

Pass complete to OD goes for 11 but flag on the play. Holding on Titans is declined.

Tate only gets 1 on the right side.

Pass to Casey over the middle gets 5. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Foster caught in the backfield for a loss of 4. Texans to punt.

Titans fair catch the punt at their 15. Titans ball.

[Arky]

CJ for 4.

Hasselbeck is sacked by Watt! Flag down....holding on Titans is declined. Makes it 3rd and 17.

Dumpoff to CJ gets 8. Titans have to punt.

Timeout Texans to stop the clock at 2:07.

Holliday brings the punt back to the Texan 45. Texans ball.

2 minute warning.

[Arky]

Pass to Martin goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to AJ gets 3. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass complete to OD only gets 5 or 6.

Texans call timeout on 4th and 1 with 28 seconds left in the half.

Texans punt, Titans fair catch at their 6. 21 seconds left in the half.

Titans kneel it out.

Halftime

Texans 14, Titans 7

[chuck]

Not exactly he total domination of a lesser opponent that I was looking for.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 13/17, 188 yds., 1 TD

Rushing: Foster 14/48, Tate 2/6

Receiving: AJ 3/56, Casey 4/33, OD 3/24, Tate 2/3

Tackles: Cushing 6, Watt/James 4 each, GQ 3, JJo 2

TOP: Texans 18:31, Titans 11:29

1st downs: Texans 10, Titans 6

3rd down efficiency: Texans 2/7, Titans 1/5

Red zone: Texans 2/2, Titans 1/1

Total yards: Texans 172, Titans 120

Turnovers: Texans 0, Titans 0

[Arky]

Not exactly he total domination of a lesser opponent that I was looking for.

Yep, the play calling has been fairly conservative. Foster keeps slipping down (get some longer spikes!). Defense has been too loose, methinks... CJ is averaging 5.8 ypc.... smh...

[WMH]

Crazy when the D knocks out the starting QB, and its bad for us.....

[Arky]

Titans to receive the 2nd half kickoff....

Squibby kickoff is brought back to the Titan 28. Titans ball.

----------------------------

CJ for 6.

CJ stopped for -1. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Washington goes for a big gainer, 25 yards into Texan territory. Ball placed at the Texans 43.

CJ for 2.

Pass to Wright off the mark, inc. Makes it 3rd and 8 coming up.

Hasselbeck pressured, throws it away, inc. Titans to punt.

Punt is downed by the Titans at the Texan 5.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ goes for 15 but flag on the play. Crackback block on KW brings it back. Makes it 1st and 13.

Short pass to AJ goes inc. 2nd and 13 coming up.

Foster loses 1. 3rd and 14 coming up.

Pass to OD goes for 11. Texans to punt.

Titans bring the punt back 28 yards to the Texan 30 but holding on Titans. Places the ball at the Titan 32.

[TheMatrix31]

Force a damn turnover here.

[Arky]

Manning INTs Hasselbeck's tipped pass for a 55 yard pick-6! Flag on the Titans during the return will assessed on the following kickoff.

Texans 21, Titans 7

9:21 left in the 3rd quarter.

[chuck]

Joseph laid some fool out.

[TheMatrix31]

Boom. Called it!

[Arky]

Force a damn turnover here.

Thank you and your welcome. :p

[Nconroe]

Thank you Daniel Manning.

[TheMatrix31]

Who's this thug David Stewart? Bitch.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

-----------------------

CJ for 2.

CJ for 8 and a 1st down.

CJ for 5.

Ringer for about 3 but flag down. Facemask on Titans -15. Makes it 2nd and 20.

Pass to Hawkins goes for 5. 3rd and 15 coming up. Both sides getting feisty....

Flags presnap, delay of game on Titans, -5. 3rd and 20 coming up.

Ringer gets about 6. Titans to punt. About 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Holliday returns to the punt to the Texan 24.

[Warren]

Posey is in at WR.

[Arky]

Tate for no gain.

Pass to OD goes for 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster for 16 and the 1st down. Ball at midfield.

Schaub's pass complete to Martin for 17.

Foster for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Dumpoff to Foster off the mark, inc. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to OD goes all the way for the TD! 28 yards!

Texans 28, Titans 7

2:47 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Keith]

David Stewart is a eunuch.

[Arky]

Titans return the ensuing kickoff back to their 26.

--------------------------

Pass to Cook goes for 9.

Pass to Williams goes for 6 and the 1st down.

Deep ball is broken up by KJ, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ for about 5. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Watt on the sack! -6 yards. Titans have punt.

Punt goes out of bounds at the Texans 25. Texans ball.

[Arky]

Dumpoff to Foster goes for 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

End of the 3rd quarter.

[chuck]

Arian Foster is so smart.

[Arky]

Foster gets 2. Still 3rd and 1.

Dumpoff to Casey gets 3 and the 1st down.

Foster for 3.

Schaub's pass off the mark to Graham, inc. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass to KW good for 8 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 48.

Foster gets about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Foster gets 7 and the 1st down.

Tate for about 7. 2nd and 3 coming up.

Tate caught in the backfield for -2. 3rd and 5 coming up. Ball at the Titan 36.

Deep pass to AJ is inc but flag on the Texans for holding is declined. 4th and 5 coming up. Texans to punt.

Texans down the punt at the Titan 8 yard line. Titans ball.

[Arky]

9:20 left in the game.

Short pass to Washington goes for about 5.

Pass to Cook goes for 3. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass to Washington doesn't connect, inc. Titans going for it on 4th and 3!

Pass to Stevens gets 5 and the 1st down.

CJ for 5.

Hasselbeck fumbles and the ball is recovered by Watt! Texans ball at the Titan 17!

[TheMatrix31]

J.J. Watt.

Not much else can be said.

[Arky]

Foster for 2.

Foster goes right for 2 more. 3rd and 6 at the Titan 13.

Foster upended for -1. Texans to go for the FG.

Graham's 33-yarder is good.

Texans 31, Titans 7

5:38 left in the game.

[Warren]

Looks like some backups are in on D, including Mercilus.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff is downed in the endzone by the Titans. Titans ball.

---------------------------------

Screen to Wright goes for 20.

Pass to CJ gets 8 yards. 2nd and 2 coming up.

CJ for 7 and the 1st down.

Hasselbeck scrambles for 4.

KJ INT's Hasselbeck's pass! Pick 6!

Texans 38, Titans 7

3:57 left in the game.

[TheMatrix31]

Much maligned Kareem Jackson has had a fantastic ****************ing game today.

[chuck]

I was going to say something nice about KJ's game even before that.

[Nconroe]

Nice to see Kareem Jackson have a good afternoon, and pick six.

[Arky]

Titans bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 21.

--------------------------

CJ for 11.

CJ for 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

CJ for 1? 3rd and 3 coming up.

Short pass to Wright gets the 1st down.

Ringer for almost 10.

2 minute warning.

[Arky]

Ball at the Texan 41.

CJ for 15 and the 1st down.

Pass to Wright goes for 5.

CJ for 3. Titans use a timeout with 1:09 left. Titans have 1 timeout left. 3rd and 2 coming up.

CJ gets 5 and the 1st down at the Texan 11.

Pass to Wright goes for the TD.

Texans 38, Titans 14

57 seconds left in the game.

[TheMatrix31]

Damn. Wish we could have held them under 10.

[Arky]

Texans down the ensuing kickoff in their endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

-----------------------------

Texans kneeling it.

Final score:

Texans 38, Titans 14

[barrett]

I just finished the game. The Texans are a very good football team.

[TheMatrix31]

We're not even close to firing on all cylinders either. That's the funny thing.

[chuck]

You guys are both right. They are real good but nowhere close to where they can be.

But even as much improvement as they could afford this is the first year that I look around the AFC and I think, Man, I just don't see how they can beat New England or Baltimore or Pittsburgh. If they play a complete game (and stay healthy) they can and should beat anyone, anywhere.

I can't wait to see what sort of offensive game plan they come up with for next Monday.

[Arky]

Just a FYI, early line on Texans vs. Jets is Texans by 7. And it's probably going to go up. This leaves the Jets as the homedog on MNF.... Hmmm....

[painekiller]

We're not even close to firing on all cylinders either. That's the funny thing.

This!!!!!!! :D

[HPF Bob]

Watched the game from my favorite hangout with my former boss. The Texans were pretty much in control the whole game so there was no reason to chime in. Much like the Jags game, you really have to nitpick if you want something to complain about.

[WMH]

http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/texans-demps-to-miss-some-time-with-broken-left-forearm/

Backup safety Quintin Demps, who has made some big plays off the bench, is out for an undermined time because of a broken left forearm that required surgery today. Last week, Demps underwent surgery to repair a broken thumb and played with a cast on his right hand.

“It’s not a season-ending injury, but he’s going to miss some time,” Kubiak said.

[Nconroe]

Wonder if they will activatwe Pleasant from practice squad?

Sounds like Keo is also questionable with a sore shoulder

And Tate has a sore toe, those can linger on to heal slowly sometimes.

Hope Tate recovers fairly quick, atleast we have Forsett ready to go.

Caldwell has a sprained anle too, so a few injuries from the Titans game.

[nunusguy]

I hope Kubiak awarded Kareem the defensive game-ball, he played great.
And just checked the ESPN stats to see that JJ Watt is leading the entire NFL with 7.5 sacks. How unusual is that for a 3-4 DE who of course isn't even an edge-rusher ?

[Keith]

I hope Kubiak awarded Kareem the defensive game-ball, he played great.
And just checked the ESPN stats to see that JJ Watt is leading the entire NFL with 7.5 sacks. How unusual is that for a 3-4 DE who of course isn't even an edge-rusher ?
I heard Kareem, Manning, and Watt were each awarded game balls.

Bruce Smith was a 3-4 DE... not that it makes Watt's accomplishments any less special.

[WMH]

Wonder if they will activatwe Pleasant from practice squad?

Sounds like Keo is also questionable with a sore shoulder

And Tate has a sore toe, those can linger on to heal slowly sometimes.

Hope Tate recovers fairly quick, atleast we have Forsett ready to go.

Caldwell has a sprained anle too, so a few injuries from the Titans game.

Nolan is back. Didn't see who was cut.

[Nconroe]

Good, I always like Nolan.