The Houston Texans pulled off a thrilling overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, keeping their AFC South hopes alive. The 19-16 win was a gritty performance for the Texans, who overcame a slow start and several key injuries to secure the crucial divisional win. Here are five key takeaways from the game:
1. The Texans’ defense is for real.
The Texans’ defense has been a revelation this season, and their performance against the Titans was their most impressive yet. Despite missing star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., the Texans held the Titans to a season-low 204 yards and shut them out in the second half and overtime. The defensive line dominated, racking up seven sacks on rookie quarterback Malik Willis and limiting Derrick Henry to just 9 rushing yards. The secondary also stepped up, making key interceptions and holding A.J. Brown and Julio Jones in check. This dominant defensive performance shows that the Texans’ D is not a fluke and they are a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
2. Case Keenum is a capable backup.
With starting quarterback C.J. Stroud sidelined with an injury, veteran Case Keenum stepped in and led the Texans to victory. Keenum wasn’t flashy, but he was efficient, completing 23 of 36 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown. He also avoided turnovers, which was crucial against a tough Titans defense. Keenum’s performance showed that the Texans have a reliable backup in case Stroud misses any more time and gives them some much-needed confidence in their offense.
3. The Texans are resilient.
The Texans faced adversity all game long. They fell behind early, lost key players to injury, and had to come back from a fourth-quarter deficit to win in overtime. However, the Texans never gave up and kept fighting until the very end. This resiliency is a testament to the character of this team and shows that they are not going to give up on their playoff dreams easily.
4. The AFC South is wide open.
The Texans’ win over the Titans threw the AFC South race wide open. With both teams now at 8-5, the division title is up for grabs. The Texans still have a tough schedule remaining, but they control their own destiny. If they can win their remaining games, they will win the division and host a playoff game.
5. The Texans are a team to watch.
The Texans entered the season with low expectations, but they have defied the odds and become a legitimate contender in the AFC South. They have a strong defense, a capable quarterback in Keenum, and a lot of heart. The Texans are a fun team to watch, and they are proving that they are not going to be an easy out for any team in the NFL.
The Texans’ overtime win over the Titans was a statement victory that showed the rest of the NFL that they are a team to be reckoned with. The Texans have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. If they can continue to play this way, the Texans could be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
In addition to the five takeaways above, here are a few other things we learned from the Texans’ win:
- The Texans’ running game is a work in progress. The Texans only rushed for 51 yards as a team, and Rex Burkhead was their leading rusher with just 22 yards. The Texans need to get their running game going if they want to be successful in the playoffs.
- The Texans’ special teams are a strength. Kaʻimi Fairbairn was 4-for-4 on field goals, and Jordan Stout averaged 55.2 yards per punt. The Texans’ special teams can be a difference-maker in close games.
- The Texans have a bright future. The Texans have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. The Texans could be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The Texans’ win over the Titans was a big one, and it could be a turning point in their season. The Texans have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with, and they are not going to give up on their playoff dreams easily. The AFC South is wide open, and the Texans have a chance to win it all.
