The Tennessee Titans snapped a two-game losing streak with a gritty 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, securing their first AFC South win of the season. Will Levis led the way with 278 passing yards, including a game-winning 70-yard touchdown to tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo in the fourth quarter.
“It was a back-and-forth game, and our guys stayed locked in,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “This time, we made the plays we needed to win.”
Okonkwo’s decisive touchdown came with just under 10 minutes remaining. The tight end turned a short pass into a long score after safety Eric Murray missed a crucial tackle. Despite three turnovers, the Titans (3-8) capitalized on key opportunities to outlast a Texans team that has now lost three of its last four games.
The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie late in the game, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field goal missed wide left, sealing Houston’s fate. The Texans forced a punt after the miss, but C.J. Stroud was sacked in the end zone by Harold Landry for a safety, closing out the game in Tennessee’s favor.
Stroud's Struggles Continue
C.J. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed two interceptions. He now has nine interceptions on the season, surpassing the five he threw as a rookie. Stroud shouldered the blame for the Texans' struggles.
“It’s no secret that I haven’t been playing well,” Stroud said. “I’ve got to be harder on myself and make better plays.”
Houston’s offensive line and run game also faltered, with Joe Mixon held to just 22 yards on 14 carries. The team’s eight sacks, including three by Danielle Hunter and two from Will Anderson Jr., couldn’t overcome the offensive inefficiencies.
Texans Defense Shines but Falls Short
The Texans’ defense had standout moments, including Jimmie Ward’s 65-yard pick-six in the third quarter and a franchise-tying eight sacks. However, missed opportunities and costly mistakes allowed Tennessee to capitalize when it mattered most.
“We didn’t do anything well enough to win,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We had positives, but the negatives were too much to overcome.”
Titans Resilient Despite Setbacks
Levis, starting and finishing a game for the first time this season, showed resilience. The second-year quarterback has battled injuries but delivered a strong performance on Sunday, including key throws under pressure.
“I’m proud of Will,” said Callahan. “He’s worked hard to get back mentally and physically, and it showed today.”
Nick Folk’s 56-yard field goal, tying his career long, gave Tennessee a 20-17 lead at halftime. Tony Pollard added a strong rushing performance with 119 yards and a touchdown, helping balance the Titans’ offensive attack.
Key Plays and Momentum Shifts
The game featured several big plays and momentum swings:
Rookie Cade Stover caught his first career touchdown on the opening drive after an 80-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s 38-yard touchdown reception gave Tennessee its first lead in the first quarter.
Houston tied the game 17-17 with a late second-quarter field goal after a Levis fumble.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr.’s first career interception set up Folk’s long field goal just before halftime.
Injury Updates
The Titans played without key defensive backs L’Jarius Sneed (IR) and Amani Hooker (illness). Callahan revealed Hooker was unable to stand without vomiting pregame. For the Texans, safety Jalen Pitre exited with a shoulder injury in the second quarter and did not return, while cornerback Ka’dar Hollman left with a knee injury in the fourth.
Final Thoughts
The Texans, despite their defensive efforts, continue to face questions about their offensive consistency. Meanwhile, the Titans finally found a way to win in a tough season, fueled by timely plays from their young quarterback and opportunistic defense.
The loss drops Houston further into a midseason slump, while Tennessee looks to build on a much-needed divisional win.
.png)
Comments