Houston Texans score first with scoop and score (Video)

The Houston Texans’ defense was able to force a fumble on Tennessee Titans running back Antonio Andrews for a 33-yard recovery for a touchdown.

The Houston Texans were the first team to score a touchdown on Sunday coming at 13:01 in the first quarter in the Texans’ road game against AFC South rival Tennessee Titans. On a Zach Mettenberger handoff to running back Antonio Andrews, Houston defensive back Kareem Jackson was able to strip Andrews, allowing free safety Quintin Demps to recover the fumble for a 33-yard pay dirt.

Houston entered Week 16’s rival game in Nashville with the great opportunity to win the AFC South outright. Houston is 7-7, a game better than the 6-8 Indianapolis Colts, and two games better than the 5-9 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans, Colts, and Jaguars are all alive in the AFC South race entering Week 16.

The Texans are fortunate to draw the worst team in the AFC South in the 3-11 Titans, who elected to start Mettenberger over former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota at quarterback in Week 16. Mariota is dealing with an injury, possibly a season-ending one, and interim head coach Mike Mularkey feels comfortable going with the former LSU Tiger under center in Mettenberger.

However, the Texans have been a defense-first football team in 2015 and get on the board early with this great scoop and score. For a team that many considered the worst in football at some points during this season, the Texans are on the brink of winning their third AFC South title. Since joining the NFL in 2002, only the Texans and the Colts have won the AFC South. Tennessee and Jacksonville have only made the AFC Playoffs since 2002’s realignment as Wild Card teams.