The Houston Texans are hoping their midseason struggles are behind them, and they have a chance to show that when they play the struggling Tennessee Titans in an AFC South matchup on Sunday.
The Texans (7-4) currently have a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in their division, despite recently losing three of their last four games, including a heartbreaking loss to the Detroit Lions after giving up a 16-point lead at halftime.
However, Houston bounced back with an impressive 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, which may signal that the team is ready to go on a winning streak. The Texans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13, who are currently having their own issues, before taking a bye week.
But don’t bring up the “playoffs” around Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.
“I just want our guys to remain focused, remain locked in on the task at hand each week,” Ryans told reporters. “If we do that, we’re a really good football team. We can play with anybody. It’s just about finishing.”
Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 257 yards and was intercepted once against Dallas. Wide receiver Nico Collins, who had missed five games due to a hamstring injury, returned to catch four passes for 54 yards.
The main reason for the win over the Cowboys was running back Joe Mixon, who scored three touchdowns and gained 153 yards from scrimmage. His 109 rushing yards were his fifth 100-yard game in the last six contests.
“When he’s on, Joe’s a force,” Ryans said. “I liked the way we just kept churning it in the run game. And I’m proud of the guys for stepping up to the challenge.”
The Texans expect to have defensive star Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) back after missing two games. Anderson, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice, is tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks, along with defensive end Danielle Hunter.
The Titans (2-8) are struggling to find their identity after losing star running back Derrick Henry in the offseason.
Tennessee has lost six games by double digits and now faces back-to-back road games against the Texans and the Washington Commanders.
Despite the tough season, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is staying positive. He praised his team’s effort in their 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.
“The fight this team showed, especially in the second half, is why you want to play this game,” Simmons said. “No matter what the record may be, that’s why I come to work, and I’m ready to go to war with my guys.”
Quarterback Will Levis threw for a season-high 295 yards against the Vikings, with one-third of those yards coming on a 98-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Levis completed 17 of 31 passes and was intercepted once. He’s frustrated with Tennessee’s ranking of 28th in scoring offense (17 points per game) and 25th in total offense (295.4 yards per game).
“You have to just continue coming to work, knowing that how you approach your job and how you approach your day-to-day are the habits that create winning football,” Levis said Wednesday.
“And, we just have to know that if we just keep doing those things, then the wins are going to come.”
Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) will miss Sunday’s game, according to coach Brian Callahan.
Sneed, along with receiver Calvin Ridley (illness), was one of nine Titans who missed Wednesday’s practice due to injury or illness. Other players missing practice included defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps) and running back Tyjae Spears (concussion).
Linebacker Jack Gibbens (ankle) had season-ending surgery earlier this week and will be placed on injured reserve. He was injured and carted off the field during the loss to Minnesota.
Houston defensive end Denico Autry (knee/oblique) also missed Wednesday’s practice. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (foot) and offensive tackle Blake Fisher (concussion) were also sidelined.
The Texans have won the last three matchups between the teams. The two will meet again in the final week of the regular season in Nashville.
