Tag: Titans vs. Texans

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 12?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 12’s home loss against the Titans.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

Despite Kenyon Green’s inconsistencies on the offensive line in pass protection, his play in the run game benefitted Joe Mixon and C.J. Stroud. Now, both guard positions could need adjustments before the start of next season.

Juice Scruggs was a serviceable center, but he’s struggled to regain that confidence at guard. He and Jarrett Patterson likely are competing for the starting position throughout the next six games and potential postseason.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 12 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 22 overall
  • Round 2, No. 53 overall
  • Round 3, No. 87 overall
  • Round 4, No. 123 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 238 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled from noon CT. The game will be locally televised on CBS.

Texans-Titans Week 12: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As fans flooded to the exits of NRG Stadium, C.J. Stroud tried to save the day.

Instead, he channeled his inner Dan Orvlosky and ran out of the back of the end zone before Harold Landry could officially bring him down for a safety.

Ball game for the Bulls on Parade.

Stroud wasn’t the only issue in the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, but his two interceptions deep in his own territory didn’t help.

The defense allowed Will Levis to connect on three 60-plus passes, including the game-winning 70-yard score to tight end Chig Okonkwo.

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard chip shot that would have tied that at 30 apiece and forced overtime.

The run game was dormant and the second-half offensive woes were evident. Since Week 6, Houston’s defense has outscored its offense 14-7.

The good news? Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South. The bad news? A performance like Sunday would likely lead to a quick three-hour blowout against a competitive wild card squad.

Here’s the snap count from Sunday’s outing.

Offensive snaps: 67
Defensive snaps: 56
Special teams snaps: 21

Tank Dell led all targets in snaps with 47 while Nico Collins played in 44, 12 higher than a week ago against the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-4 Pro Bowl target finished with a team-leading five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon was limited to 14 carries, but he played 77% of snaps among running backs. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale combined for 13 snaps as the No. 2 option.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his fifth straight game with 100% of reps. Jimmie Ward, who picked off Levis for a 67-yard touchdown in the third, split reps at nickel and safety after Jalen Pitre left in the second quarter, finishing 37 plays.

Will Anderson Jr, who missed two games due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 9, played in 32 snaps and recorded two sacks.

The Texans hit the road next week to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC South showdown. They are among the final teams with at bye in Week 14.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud explains struggles following loss to Titans

C.J. Stroud made it clear that his performance on Sunday wasn’t up to par for the Houston Texans as they fell to 7-5.

C.J. Stroud made it clear that even though the defense gave up 32 points to the Tennessee Titans, he didn’t hold up his end of the bargain.

It’s why the Houston Texans are sitting at 7-5 after a 32-27 loss at home.

Stroud, who threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, also tossed two interceptions. He completed just over 60% of his passes and tossed a pair of interceptions, including one to Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray on a scoring drive in the third quarter. He sacked for a safety with 1:17 remaining and nearly ran out of the back of the end zone.

Dan Orlovsky would have been proud. Texans fans are frustrated and Stroud can understand why.

“It’s no secret I haven’t been playing well for my standard,” Stroud said following a second consecutive home loss.  “Everybody has to look in the mirror and try to get things fixed. So that’s gotta be the plan for this week. Practicing. Getting better. Personally, I got to get better. As a team, we have to get better.”

Week 12 epitomized the Texans’ season up to this point as Houston enters its final game before the bye. An 80-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce set up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to rookie tight end and former Ohio State teammate Cade Stover.

Down by 10, Houston responded with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins, then a 56-yard gain to the Pro Bowl receiver to set up a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal.

Then, much like the second half of the season, everything went wrong.
Stroud and John Metchie III weren’t on the same page with just over a minute remaining in the first half, leading to an interception and Nick Folk’s field goal. The offense never reached the end zone and settled for two more attempts for Fairbairn while trusting the defense to deliver.

But the final blow came on the Texans’ second-to-last drive. Stroud connected with Collins for a 33-yard touchdown that would have given them a four-point lead, but the play was nullified by an illegal motion penalty on Joe Mixon and Tank Dell.

Stroud said it was on him not having his teammates prepared for the snap.

“I got to give the play better and make sure guys are on the same page, and even when we break the huddle, still communicate a little bit and make sure everybody’s doing what they’re doing,” Stroud said. “But it was my fault.”
Stroud will take ownership of the offensive woes, but it’s not all on him.

Houston’s offensive line gave him a clean pocket in the first half and allowed four sacks in the second. That factored into a passing yards and completion percentage between the first and final 30 minutes.

Houston also couldn’t run the football to save face. Mixon, fresh off a three-touchdown outing against the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football,” averaged 1.6 yards per attempt on 14 carries.

“They’re a really good front. Really good front,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We knew that going into the game. But it doesn’t matter. Every front is good. You have to own the line of scrimmage.”

Houston has seven days to recoup before it travels to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. It can’t afford a loss, but it also can’t waste a strong defensive performance.

The Texans tied their franchise record for sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (15) in a game. Safety Jimmie Ward intercepted Titans second-year quarterback Will Levis and returned it for a 67-yard touchdown. Kris Boyd recovered a muffed punt to set up Houston inside Tennessee’s 40.

Outings like that won’t always be promised, so Stroud’s already getting prepped for film study on Monday and an aggressive week of practice.

“Everybody has to look at themselves in the mirror and try to get things fixed,” Stroud said. “That will be the plan this week. Practicing and getting better.”

Top photos from Texans’ gut-punch loss to Titans in Week 12

Here’s the top photos from Sunday’s 32-27 loss for the Tennessee Titans against the Houston Texans.

Will Levis didn’t Will Levis.

The Houston Texans fall to 7-5 on the season as Levis’ 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo was the difference in a 32-27 victory for the Tennessee Titans.

Here’s some of the top photos from Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium before the Texans leave for Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars before the bye week.

Instant analysis: Texans reach new low in Titans comeback win

The Houston Texans fall to 7-5 on the season after multiple miscues led to a Tennessee Titans victory at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans might make the AFC playoffs as the division champions, but that doesn’t make them a contender for a Lombardi Trophy.

C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions while Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal to give the Tennessee Titans a 32-27 victory at NRG Stadium. Houston (7-5) now suffers its first loss in the division for 2024.

Will Levis gave the Texans a chance to take the game back during the fourth quarter when Jimmie Ward intercepted a third-down pass attempt for a 67-yard touchdown return. He redeemed himself with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo for a three-point lead.

Levis, a former second-round pick, threw for 278 yards and two touchdown passes while Tony Pollard rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. Despite a fumble caused by Mario Edwards in the first half, the Texans could never convert.

Stroud, who finished with 247 yards passing yards, started off hot, connecting with Cade Stover for a 14-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. He later found Nico Collins for a 5-yard score to bring the Texans within three.

Fairbairn drilled two field goals earlier in the afternoon before the doink inside Houston territory. Initially, the Texans thought they had a touchdown on a 28-yard grab from Collins, but an illegal motion negated the points.

Houston’s defense forced a three-and-out and even saved a timeout with just over a minute on the clock. Stroud channeled his inner Dan Orlovsky and was sacked by Harold Landry in the end zone for a safety, ending Tennessee’s two-game losing streak.

The Texans have lost four of their last five, including back-to-back games at home.

They hit the road next Sunday to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week in early December.

Jalen Pitre injury update: Texans star DB ruled out for second half vs. Titans

Jalen Pitre is currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans trail 20-17 at halftime in an AFC South bout against the Tennessee Titans, but there’s a much more prominent concern entering the second half. 

Star defensive back Jalen Pitre left just before halftime after holding onto his shoulder while walking off the field. According to the Texans’ public relations staff, he’s currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury. 

Pitre, who switched from safety to the nickel position this offseason, has been one of Houston’s better open-field tacklers for DeMeco Ryans’ defense in Year 2. The Texans are thin without him since cornerback Jeff Okudah was ruled out before Sunday’s showdown at NRG Stadium. 

Here’s everything to know of Pitre’s injury:

Jalen Pitre injury update

Pitre exited Sunday’s game against the Titans and went to the locker room, according to the CBS broadcast. He is currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury. 

According to the Texans’ PR staff, Pitre will not return for the second half. Now the question turns to if he’ll miss next week’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye in Week 14.

Will Jalen Pitre return?

Pitre will not return for the second half on defense. 

Jalen Pitre stats

In 11 games, Pitre leads Houston with 64 total tackles and eight pass deflections. He’s also recorded an interception and forced a fumble. 

Texans DB Depth Chart

For Sunday’s game, the expectation is for Jimmie Ward to move down to the nickel position while Calen Bullock and Eric Murray man the safety spot. Houston also could play a three-linebacker set with Neville Hewitt as the new MIKE backer and Azeez Al-Shaair in coverage as the team’s starting WILL. 

Texans defense taking control on defense with turnover against Titans

Houston Texans defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. recovered a second-quarter fumble, marking seven consecutive games with a takeaway.

During a first half in which the Houston Texans have had trouble slowing the Tennessee Titans’ offense, a fumble was just what they needed.

Titans running back Tony Pollard lost his handle on the ball and Texans defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. recovered.

The fumble recovery is Edwards’ second on the season. He had zero in his first nine NFL seasons.

Fellow defensive tackle Tim Settle was in the area, preparing to make the tackle before Pollard fumbled.

Settle and Edwards were two of Houston’s under-the-radar signings that have made a large impact this season.

Houston has forced a turnover in seven consecutive games. From Week 5, the Texans have forced 18 turnovers, including Edwards fumble recovery. Houston’s offense has the second-most points in the league off of takeaways.

With a win, the Texans would move to 4-0 in the AFC South entering Week 13’s bout with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week.

Texans WR Nico Collins back to Pro Bowl form with TD vs. Titans

Nico Collins is back for the Houston Texans, so stay out of his way Tennessee Titans everywhere.

Nico Collins is back like he never left.

The Houston Texans probably wished he was healthy for those five games since at least one would have ended in victory.

Despite trailing 17-10 against the Tennessee Titans, the Texans’ offense found a spark with Collins’ 5-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud in the second quarter. On a third-and-five, Stroud waited for the 6-foot-4 target to break open before connecting him at the back of the end zone.

As the pride of Houston’s offense, Collins was greeted with sheer delight as he hopped into the stands to celebrate with the H-Town crowd. Meanwhile, the Texans continue to drive on offense after forcing a Tennessee turnover.

The touchdown marked Collins’ first score since his 67-yarder against the Bills on Oct. 6. That was also the last play of the campaign before spending on the injured reserve with a hamstring problem.

Collins was on pace for a breakout All-Pro season before the injury. Let’s see if he can get back to that form in the closing months of the NFL regular season.

Texans inactives: Who is out vs. Titans in Week 12?

Dencio Atury is expected to play for the Houston Texans against the Tennessee Titans.

Here’s the inactive list for the Houston Texans entering Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

With a victory, Houston would improve to 4-0 in the AFC South standings entering Week 13.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Titans vs. Texans broadcast map: Will the game be on TV?

Here’s who will be able to watch the Texans take on the Titans in Week 12.

The Houston Texans (7-4) are set to return home to face off against Tennessee Titans (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday, Nov. 24 at noon CT.

The AFC South showdown will be regionally televised on CBS. In-market fans can stream the Texans-Titans game on FuboTV (try it free).

Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), Ross Tucker and Jay Feely (analyst) will call the game for CBS, with Amanda Balionis reporting from the sideline.

On the radio, the game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN Radio and locally available on SportsRadio 610.

Fans in the orange areas on the map below will get the Texans-Titans game on their local CBS channel, according to 506sp

With a victory, Houston would improve to 4-0 in the AFC South division. It also would give the Texans a fourth consecutive win over the Titans, dating back to 2022.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.