Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans is an important one for the Tennessee Titans.
With a win, the Titans secure a place in the postseason, though Houston has already clinched the AFC South.
Rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown will undoubtedly be a factor, and Texans coach Bill O’Brien knows this.
O’Brien had a lot of praise for who he believes is the NFL’s best rookie receiver this week.
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“A.J. Brown? Tough matchup. Very strong, they ran a reverse with him against the Saints, he took it 50 yards for a touchdown,” O’Brien told reporters on Thursday. “The guy is hard to tackle, he’s a really good route runner. When I look at rookie receivers, he’s got to be the rookie receiver this year. I mean I think he is, right? I don’t know too many other rookie receivers that are playing (like him).”
The Titans have utilized Brown well, and that’s easily reflected by his 48 receptions for 927 yards and seven touchdowns heading into Week 17.
“I think it’s hard to do what he’s done in your rookie year as a receiver. I got a lot of respect for the guy and the way that they use him,” O’Brien said.
The Texans face a tall task in keeping Brown at bay in the regular season finale.
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“He’s a very difficult, very strong player, he’s got good hands, hard to tackle, can run all the routes,” O’Brien concluded. “It’s going to be a difficult matchup.”
The Titans and Texans are set to kick off at 3:25 p.m. CST on Sunday in NRG Stadium.