Titans Fail To Score In A 26-0 Rout By the Texans

Houston, TX – Two AFC South rivals entered Week 4 looking for their first win of the season. The Houston Texans, who had struggled through three weeks to get going on offense, and the Tennessee Titans, who have been trying to find some rhythm with their rookie quarterback matched up.

It was uphill battle for Tennessee, who was on the road. The Titans were shut out, 26-0.

 

Overview

Offensively, Tennessee struggled mightily. They simply couldn’t get anything going against a defense that had been vulnerable against the run coming into the game.

Bo Hardegree took over play-calling duties this week but it made no difference. The offense looked out of rhythm outside of the final drive of the first half and the offensive line regressed.

Rookie quarterback Cameron Ward had the worst game of his young career, going 9-of-23 (39.1%) for 100 yards and an interception. The receivers didn’t help either, as drops continued to plague the unit.

The rushing attack showed flashes of life but only in spurts. Tony Pollard started the game strong with six carries for 41 yards but finished with just 64 yards total.

The other two phases weren’t any better. The defense had some early success but Tennessee’s offensive ineptitude left them on the field too long and they wore down as the game progressed.

Jeffery Simmons and Cedric Gray were the lone bright spots in a contest that was out of reach quickly.

On special teams, kicker Joey Slye missed two field goals in the first half and the Titans seemed to lose confidence in him from there. After being steady through the first three weeks, he suddenly looks like he’s falling into a slump.

At 0-4, the Titans may be forced to make changes with a brutal three-game slate ahead.

 

Positives

• None to take away

 

Negatives

• Bo Doesn’t Know: Tennessee changed play-callers but still couldn’t manage a single point against Houston
• No Complements: The Titans failed to sustain drives, leaving their defense gassed and ineffective late
• Handicapping Ward?: Cameron Ward had his worst performance, looking handcuffed for the first time this year

The season is now in a full tailspin as Tennessee heads out for a two-game road trip on the West Coast against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.