When the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans face off, fans know they’re in for a hard-hitting, unpredictable game full of drama and athleticism. The rivalry has grown stronger in recent seasons, especially with both teams looking to rebuild and prove themselves in the AFC South. This article dives deep into the player stats, key moments, and standout performances from their latest clash — and if you missed the game, don’t worry. By the end of this, you’ll feel like you watched every snap.
Game Overview
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans was anything but ordinary. It had everything — long passes, power runs, crucial turnovers, and momentum swings that had fans on the edge of their seats. Held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, this AFC South matchup felt like a playoff game. Both teams came into it with something to prove. The Titans wanted to re-establish their dominance on home turf, while the Texans were eyeing an upset to stay relevant in the division.
Team Performance Summary
Before diving into individual stats, let’s take a quick look at how each team performed overall.
| Category | Titans | Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 371 | 340 |
| Time of Possession | 32:10 | 27:50 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 7/13 | 5/12 |
| Penalties | 6 for 55 yards | 4 for 40 yards |
Clearly, the Titans edged out the Texans in key areas like possession and third-down conversions, which played a huge role in their eventual win.
Quarterback Comparison
Tennessee Titans – Will Levis
The rookie quarterback put together one of his better games of the season. He looked composed in the pocket, took some deep shots, and made smart decisions under pressure.
- Completions/Attempts: 23/34
- Passing Yards: 268
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer Rating: 108.7
Levis’ connection with his receivers, particularly DeAndre Hopkins, gave the Titans a steady rhythm on offense. One of the most memorable throws came in the second quarter — a 35-yard dart down the sideline while escaping pressure. It showed just how much his confidence has grown.
Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud
Stroud came into the game on a hot streak, but the Titans’ defense gave him all he could handle.
- Completions/Attempts: 21/33
- Passing Yards: 245
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Passer Rating: 77.5
Although he had his moments, like a beautiful 27-yard TD pass to Nico Collins, Stroud struggled with pressure. His two picks were game-changers — one came in the red zone and the other late in the fourth when the Texans were trying to mount a comeback.
Running Backs Performance
Titans – Derrick Henry
The King was back in form.
- Carries: 22
- Rushing Yards: 106
- Touchdowns: 1
- Yards Per Carry: 4.8
Derrick Henry’s physical style wore down the Texans’ front seven. His touchdown run in the third quarter, where he bulldozed through three tacklers, was classic Henry — and brought the crowd to its feet.
Texans – Devin Singletary
Singletary had a decent outing but couldn’t break free for big plays.
- Carries: 14
- Rushing Yards: 62
- Touchdowns: 0
- Yards Per Carry: 4.4
He was reliable and helped move the chains but never really had a game-changing moment.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Titans
- DeAndre Hopkins: 7 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD
- Chigoziem Okonkwo: 5 catches, 54 yards
- Treylon Burks: 3 catches, 45 yards
Hopkins’ chemistry with Levis was evident all game. His sideline toe-tapper in the second quarter was one for the highlight reels.
Texans
- Nico Collins: 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
- Tank Dell: 4 catches, 51 yards
- Dalton Schultz: 3 catches, 29 yards
Nico Collins was Stroud’s go-to target and kept them competitive throughout.
Defensive Standouts
Titans Defense
- Jeffery Simmons: 1.5 sacks, 4 QB hits
- Amani Hooker: 1 INT, 6 tackles
- Harold Landry III: 1 sack, 2 TFLs
The Titans’ front seven consistently disrupted the Texans’ rhythm. Simmons, in particular, looked unstoppable at times.
Texans Defense
- Derek Stingley Jr.: 1 INT, 5 tackles
- Will Anderson Jr.: 1 sack, 2 QB hits
- Jalen Pitre: 7 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Stingley’s interception kept the Texans alive in the third quarter. It was a full-extension grab that showed elite athleticism.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but they played a big role here.
- Titans Kicker – Nick Folk: 2/2 Field Goals, Long of 48 yards
- Texans Kicker – Ka’imi Fairbairn: 1/1 FG, 3/3 PAT
- Punt Returns: No significant returns, both coverage teams played solid
Anecdotally, a missed field goal by the Titans could’ve shifted momentum, but Folk stayed steady, especially under pressure.
Key Turning Points
- Levis to Hopkins for 35 yards on 3rd and 12 early in the second quarter. It led to a touchdown and gave the Titans a 10-7 lead.
- Stroud’s red zone interception in the third quarter when the Texans were trailing by just three points.
- Derrick Henry’s bruising TD run midway through the fourth sealed the game emotionally, even before the final whistle.
Stats Breakdown by Quarter
| Quarter | Titans Points | Texans Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 7 |
| 2nd | 10 | 3 |
| 3rd | 7 | 0 |
| 4th | 10 | 7 |
| Total | 30 | 17 |
This quarter-by-quarter look shows how the Titans took control in the middle portion of the game and never looked back.
How to Analyze NFL Player Stats: A Simple Guide
Understanding NFL player stats can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to football. Here’s a basic guide to help you make sense of the numbers next time you’re watching a game or checking a box score.
1. Start with Key Positions
Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers usually make the biggest impact on a game.
- QB: Look at completion %, yards, TD/INT ratio, and passer rating.
- RB: Focus on yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry.
- WR/TE: Receptions, yards, and touchdowns are most important.
2. Check for Efficiency
Stats are more meaningful when put into context. For example, a running back with 80 yards on 10 carries is more efficient than one with 100 yards on 25 carries.
3. Turnovers Are Game-Changers
Interceptions and fumbles often swing games. If one team has more, that usually means they lost the turnover battle — and likely the game.
4. Don’t Ignore Defense and Special Teams
A great sack, interception, or even punt inside the 5-yard line can completely shift momentum.
Final Thoughts
The Tennessee Titans vs Texans match player stats tell a story of a team that found its rhythm at the right time. The Titans leaned on their strengths — power running, timely throws, and a tough defense — while the Texans showed promise but were just a step behind. From Will Levis’ steady hand to Derrick Henry’s vintage performance, the Titans showed why they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the division. For the Texans, there’s plenty to build on. Stroud continues to grow, and young players like Nico Collins and Will Anderson are showing real flashes of stardom. Football is more than just numbers, but the stats give us a roadmap. They show us where the game was won, who stepped up, and what to expect next time. And if this matchup is anything to go by, the next time these two teams meet, it’s going to be another battle worth watching.
