Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith says Titans ‘got stronger’ with WR Julio Jones

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith admits the Tennessee Titans added strength with the acquisition of receiver Julio Jones.

The strong keep getting stronger.

The Tennessee Titans made shockwaves throughout the NFL on Sunday with the trading for Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones, and the AFC South is the epicenter. The All-Pro receiver will face the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans twice a year, giving each team twice the challenge of containing an explosive, productive wideout who will be teamed up with A.J. Brown.

Texans defensive coordinator Lovie Smith met with Houston reporters on Tuesday and acknowledged an AFC South rival had gotten better, but emphasized they would see superior athletes like Jones on a weekly basis.

“How can you — I’ve known Julio for a long period of time,” Smith said. “I remember when he came out of college from Alabama. He’s just a special player. It seems like each week we’re going to be saying that. ‘There’s a special player,’ at least one or two. That’s why our guys signed up. That’s why we signed up for: to play top guys at all positions each week. As an NFL player, you’ve got to want that challenge. We got what we’re asking for.”

Smith noted that the inclusion of Jones in the division is par for the course as the Colts have T.Y. Hilton and the Jaguars have D.J. Chark.

“Tennessee got stronger when they added a guy like Julio to the roster, but, you know, you look up north, Indy,” said Smith. “They have some scholarship receivers also. And Tennessee of course does, and Jacksonville. There are a lot of guys that will be a big challenge for us, and not just guys that can catch and run, but receivers with size. We’ll have a plan.”

The Texans play the Titans on Nov. 21 at Nissan Stadium and then conclude the season series on Jan. 9 at NRG Stadium.