Houston Texans Week 11 grades in win over Tennessee Titans

The Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans, 22-13 on Sunday in Nashville in Week 11. This was a statement win by the upset-minded Texans and showed that progress is being made with this team. When they are healthy, have a full roster, and play with confidence the Texans showed they can compete with any team in the NFL.

The Texans’ defense carried the weight in this game,  and Tyrod Taylor showed why he is the right man to start behind center in Houston. This result was much needed as times were starting to look darker for the Texans with this being their second win of the season.

A foundation is being built with this franchise, and if this team can show up to this standard each week, they may very well come out with more “upset wins” this season. All of that said, here are the Week 11 grades for the Texans.

OFFENSE (C)

Overall the offense did enough to win the game. Tyrod Taylor managed the game well throwing for just over 100 yards and showing he still has his athleticism to use. He ran for two touchdowns with 28 total yards on six rushing attempts. The use of his legs was the ultimate game-changer for the offense in the AFC South contest.

The rushing attack was once again stagnant other than Taylor’s two touchdowns. Rex Burkhead led the running backs with 40 yards on the ground. The receiving core only hauled in 107 total yards through the air. If the defense didn’t perform to the level they did this past Sunday, the game may have swung in the other direction for the Titans.

If the Texans want to get consistent scoring and pressure from their offense, the playmakers on that side of the ball must perform when called upon. It can’t all rely on the use of Taylor’s legs to make plays for the offense.

DEFENSE (A)

There was no bigger impact a group of players made for the Texans win than the defensive unit. They were absolute ball hawks around the field and causing chaos for the Titans for the majority of the contest.

In total, the defense forced five turnovers (four interceptions, one fumble recovery) against the Titans and their dominant offensive attack. Texans free safety Desmond King led the way with two interceptions against Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The play of the day was when linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill had an 82-yard interception return late in the first quarter.

The Houston Texans defense recorded two sacks on the day. The impact they made on the field ultimately is what decided the game in favor of the Texans. Defensive Coordinator Lovie Smith has the defense forcing opponents to make mistakes and the offense has been able to capitalize on it.

These players are playing with pride and are showing that they are the strength of this team. If this defense continues to produce turnovers at this incredible rate, the Texans will be in a lot of close games for the remainder of the season.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B)

The special teams unit for the Texans had a direct impact on the outcome of the game. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn went 3-for-3 on his field goals at 43, 24, and 37 yards. Unfortunately, he went 1-for-2 in his extra point attempts in the game.

Punter Cameron Johnston performed very well with his punt attempts. He was able to make the field position an impact in Sunday’s contest.

The Texans still need some work on their kick and punt return coverage as they allowed nearly an average of 15 yards per return against Titans. If the Texans elect to punt the ball, the benefit to doing that is the fact they can pin the opponent towards their endzone. The coverage in the kicking and punting game needs to improve or better teams will take advantage of their mistakes.

COACHING STAFF (B)

This was by far the best performance from head coach David Culley and his staff. The Houston Texans looked prepared to take on anything the Titans threw at them. Their defensive plan was executed to a tee and it showed on the field.

Offensive Coordinator Tim Kelly could find more ways to get the offense going especially with the slow-moving rushing attack the Texans have. It was good to see the creativity that the coaching staff allowed the players to have against Tennessee.

Lovie Smith has his defense humming as of late. They are creating multiple turnovers each week and the numbers speak for themselves. This defense is improving each week and the performance against the Titans shows.

The best aspect of the coaches was their decision-making. They kept things very simple with their play calling and weren’t too aggressive in their situational decision-making. The fact that Culley was able to secure this win helps him stay away from the hot seat.

The Texans secured their second win of the season and it sure feels good. They came into the game as a massive underdog and rightfully so.

This win gives fans hope that the process is coming together and that the franchise is headed in the right direction for the future of the Texans.