Texans vs. Titans — Week 4 Preview
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
(0-3 vs. 0-3; desperate for a breakthrough)
Houston, we have a must-win.
Two winless teams collide Sunday in Houston, but the stakes feel especially high for the Texans. After three agonizingly close losses, Houston’s season already teeters on the brink. And while Tennessee has shown some flashes with a young quarterback, this matchup carries narrative weight—and several storyline pivots off the field.
Offseason + Roster Moves: Signals & Questions
Titans’ Trade of Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
In a surprising move, the Titans traded young cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to the New York Jets in a late-round pick swap.
Brownlee was a 2024 fifth-round pick and had been working into a rotational/starter role.
The compensation was minimal—a 2026 seventh-rounder for a sixth-round return—raising eyebrows about motive.
Head coach Brian Callahan publicly denied it was the start of a fire sale, calling it a “one-off situation.”
Still, the move has led fans and analysts to speculate whether there was an off-field issue or differences behind the scenes.
The Titans' cornerback depth is now thinner, with Jalyn Armour-Davis (claimed off waivers recently) poised to see more action.
Titans Shake-up: Play-Calling Change
Facing an early-season slide, Brian Callahan has ceded play-calling duties to QBs coach Bo Hardegree. While Callahan will remain involved in offensive structure and game plan, this wrinkle will let him focus more broadly on team operations and in-game decisions.This move suggests a willingness to experiment—and perhaps a recognition of internal shortcomings in execution. It also offers a story of internal correction or adaptation should it pay dividends.
Texans’ Internal Turmoil & Reorganization
Releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Houston made a shocking roster move by releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson just three weeks into the season.
Reports pointed to miscommunication, scheme disagreements, and locker-room friction as driving factors.
The safety logged 15 tackles in his brief stint, but no interceptions or pass breakups, and was singled out for coverage lapses and a blown defensive assignment vs. Jacksonville. H
With Gardner-Johnson gone, M.J. Stewart is now expected to fill the vacancy at strong safety.
Meanwhile, Jimmie Ward and rookie Jaylen Reed remain unavailable, leaving the secondary light on experienced depth.
The fact that Houston pulled the trigger so early on a prominent defensive signing indicates serious internal priority placed on chemistry and alignment.
Secondary Concerns: Stingley & Depth
All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. is listed as questionable due to an oblique injury and has missed multiple practices this week.
Stingley exited the Jaguars game early and didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday.
The Texans appear to be preparing for Tremon Smith to step in, a veteran with familiarity in Houston’s secondary scheme.
With Stingley’s status uncertain, elevated corners Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross were added to the roster this week.
Tremon Smith had stepped in last week and drew some praise for his steadiness under pressure in his role.
The Texans’ defensive backfield now hinges heavily on depth and scheme to cover potential liabilities.
Offense: Injuries & Adjustments
Jakob Johnson (fullback / H-back / tight-end hybrid) was placed on Injured Reserve during the week, eliminating a versatile piece from Houston’s offensive game plan.
With Johnson out, I hope the Texans lean more on tempo, spread formations, and quick-game passes to offset reduced power-run play.
I'm also hopeful rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel see more snaps, but there is a possibility British Brooks may take over in the backfield/H-back role & things are the same as before.
Despite criticism of the offensive line, the Texans’ pass protection has held up better than many expected—allowing pressure on 36.4% of dropbacks, ranking 15th in the league per Next Gen Stats.Contrastingly, the Titans’ O-line is allowing pressure on 43.3% of dropbacks, the 2nd-worst rate in the NFL.
Late in the Jacksonville game, Houston showed signs of life: they leaned on tempo, quick passes, and built sustained drives—only for turnovers in opponent territory (a Stroud INT, Nico fumble, another Stroud INT) to spoil momentum. That pattern of execution breakdowns in critical spots has defined Houston’s three losses.
Statistical Matchups & Key Indicators
Category | Texans | Titans | Insight |
Pressure allowed (pass pro) | 36.4% (15th) | 43.3% (2nd-worst) | Houston has a relative edge protecting Stroud |
EPA per play, offense | –0.18 (5th-worst) | –0.28 (2nd-worst) | Both are bottom-tier offenses, but Texans slightly less broken |
Points per game (scoring) | 12.7 (worst) | ~17 (15th) | Titans have slight edge in converting drives |
Yards per game (offense) | 267.3 (4th-worst) | 222.3 (2nd-worst) | Houston can still move the ball more consistently |
Texans pass-rush pressure % | 32.5% (21st) | 25.7% (28th) | Houston has better pass rush |
Texans defense: PPG allowed | 17.0 (5th) | — | Texans’ defense remains a relative strength |
Titans defense: PPG allowed | — | 31.3 (30th) | Tennesse struggles to limit opposing offenses |
Matchup takeaways:
This is a game the Texans must win, perhaps more than their opponent. A fourth loss would not just be disappointing—it could trigger cascading changes (e.g. offensive staff, GM scrutiny).
The Texans’ defense holds a clear edge over a porous Titans offense, especially if Houston can generate consistent pressure.
The Titans’ defense is historically vulnerable; the Texans have a path to success if they minimize turnovers and execute on third downs.
The Titans’ trade of Brownlee and play-calling shift add instability; if the Texans’ offense can force mismatches early, the Titans might struggle to adjust.
X-Factors & Keys to Victory
Get off to a fast start. The Texans must seize momentum early, force Tennessee out of its comfort zone, and avoid digging a hole.
Convert on third downs — especially 3rd-and-medium/short. Houston has struggled to sustain drives, especially on manageable third downs.
Lean on tempo, quick game, play-action. Houston may needs to rely more on pre-snap shifts, tempo, and shorter passes to open space for the run.
Press pressure & disguise. Tennessee’s offense cedes pressure at a high rate. Houston must use creative blitzes and disguised looks to rattle rookie Cam Ward.
Limit Cam Ward’s escapability. He’s shown ability to extend plays and make off-platform throws. Contain him and don’t let him break containment.
Neutralize Jeffery Simmons. Simmons remains the Titans’ defensive anchor. The Texans must use double teams, chip blocks, and quick passing to mitigate his impact.
Take care of the ball. This has been Houston’s Achilles’ heel—turnovers in opponent territory have erased what were otherwise promising possessions.
Narrative Threads to Watch
Cam Ward’s homecoming vs. local media hype. A West Columbia, Texas, native, Ward has downplayed the narrative, saying he’s only focused on winning.
Organizational direction. If Houston loses in bad fashion, questions about OC Nick Caley, positional coaching, or even GM Nick Caserio will ratchet up.
Callahan’s security. If Tennessee falters again—especially with his relinquished play-calling—his tenure could come under early heat.
DeMeco’s confidence. While the head coach is not likely to be on the hot seat yet, his ability to unify the roster amid internal moves (releasing CJGJ, navigating injuries) will be tested.
Secondary reputation test. Without Gardner-Johnson and potentially without Stingley, Houston’s back end must hold firm under fire.
Final Thoughts & Prediction
This is Houston’s moment. They play at home, they have defensive advantages, and they have more to prove. Tennessee may have a rookie QB with upside, but their instability—corner trade, play-calling shift, O-line injuries—is a fragile foundation.
If the Texans execute, convert third downs, and avoid turnovers, they should win this game comfortably. But this season has shown us Houston is never safe. Should they lose, the ripple effects could be profound.
.png)
Comments