Coach DeMeco Ryans got what he wanted from the Houston Texans’ trip to Music City, according to the Associated Press.
Before hosting an AFC wild-card game, depart with a victory and a healthy roster.
On the Texans’ first drive Sunday, C.J. Stroud completed all six of his passes for 50 yards and a touchdown before being benched as Houston defeated the Tennessee Titans 23–14 to end a two-game losing streak.
In Houston, the Texans (10-7) also managed to avoid being swept by the team they replaced. The Texans triumphed for the first time since defeating Miami on December 15 to win the AFC South for the second time in a row.
“Our goal is always to play postseason football, and we’ve earned the right to do so. We’re excited for whatever opportunity comes next and who we’ll play, though we don’t yet know who that will be,” Ryans stated.
Houston had to hold off on finding out who its playoff opponent was. The Los Angeles Chargers, who defeated the Raiders 34–20 later Sunday to claim the No. 5 seed, will host the AFC’s No. 4 seeded Texans. After the game, there were no TVs on in the Texans’ locker room.
Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins spoke of the Texans getting ready for another home game, “We had great momentum going into next week, and I feel like we needed that home-field advantage.” No greater sensation exists.
The Titans’ miserable season at least earned them the first overall pick in the April NFL draft thanks to the loss and New England’s victory over Buffalo. Since moving from Texas to Tennessee in 1997, their 3–14 record is tied with 2014 for the most losses in a season.
First-year Titans coach Brian Callahan stated, “It’s not a position I ever want to be in again,” in reference to possessing the first overall pick.
Ryans stated that the outcome of the game will determine how long his starters played.
For a lead that Houston never relinquished, Stroud required 11 plays and 7:17 on a drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown toss to Collins.
On that drive, Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon had five carries before his day was over. Dameon Pierce took his second carry 92 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the season early in the second quarter, giving the team a 13-0 lead. Mixon turned into a cheerleader and ran along the sideline with a ballcap.
Pierce ran for a career-high 176 yards in the end. For the fifth season in his career, Mixon over 1,000 yards with 23 yards.
When the television board displayed former University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton’s 48-yard touchdown throw that put the Patriots ahead 14–7, the sparse audience gave one of the loudest cheers of the rainy, chilly day.
With a 27-yard field goal to end the first half, Ka’imi Fairbairn gave the Texans a 16-3 lead.
Will Levis, a sophomore quarterback, received his 12th start of the year from Tennessee. On the fourth possession, Callahan substituted veteran Mason Rudolph, fulfilling his pledge to rotate. Matthew Wright made two field goals for the Titans after Rudolph led them to them.
Despite a poor pass that was returned for a fumble, Levis had the better day. With 2:41 remaining, he completed with a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tay Martin and 175 yards of passing.
The defensive end Early in the fourth quarter, Derek Barnett gained possession of the ball when Levis mishandled it to Tony Pollard. He raced 36 yards for the touchdown and a 23-6 advantage. It was Barnett’s third such return for a touchdown in his career and his second this season. He had a sack, too.
Barnett played high school basketball in a Nashville suburb in addition to attending Tennessee for college.
Tennessee must make numerous choices regarding the usage of the first overall pick. In 2016, the Titans traded away their last pick in order to acquire three All-Pros, including Derrick Henry. Much of what transpires will depend on if Levis, who was selected 33rd overall in 2023, stays their quarterback.
“I feel like I’m the quarterback for this team and I can get us to the levels we want to get to, but it’s up to them,” Levis stated.
Following an incompletion late in the third quarter that resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty, Texans wide receiver John Metchie was being assessed in the concussion protocol. LB Jake Hansen had an ankle injury.
Titans tight end In the first quarter, Chig Okonkwo was listed on the injury report after aggravating an abdominal injury.
Under Ryans, Houston will be attempting to win a second consecutive wild-card game.
Under Callahan, Tennessee enters the summer having lost eight of nine games and six in a row. Amy Adams Strunk, the majority owner, must now determine what adjustments could be required for a club constructing a $2.2 billion enclosed stadium next door that is scheduled to debut in 2027.
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