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Titans at Texans: 3 things we learned

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Texans remained unbeaten at home this season with a 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. Here are three takeaways from that contest.

It looked like it was going to be easy for the Houston Texans against the Tennessee Titans, but it wasn’t. When it was all said and done, however, a win is a win.

And a two-game lead in the division is what it is as well.

Houston got a big play from rookie wide receiver/punt returner Will Fuller in the third quarter as he took back a kick 67 yards for a touchdown in what proved to be the difference in the Texans 27-20 win over the game Tennessee Titans.

So what did we ascertain about both of these AFC South squads. It was an interesting afternoon in Houston.

1. Texans open things up

As we found out this week, head coach Bill O’Brien relieved offensive coordinator George Godsey of his play-calling duties and opted to do his own work. The Texans rolled up season best with 27 points and 359 total yards against a very-respectable Tennessee defense.

There’s still plenty of work to be done when it comes to quarterback Brock Osweiler. But running back Lamar Miller continues to be a steady and consistent part of the offense and rookie wideout Will Fuller has made his presence felt in all three of the team’s victories this season.

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2. Titans continue to shoot themselves in cleats

In each of their first three game, the Titans held the opposition to 17 points or less. Still, the team found a way to lose two of those games.

Yes, Tennessee allowed 27 points in the loss to Houston. But it was once again a case of breakdowns and mistakes. Houston’s winning touchdown came on a 67-yard punt return from wide receiver Will Fuller, who was seemingly only touched by his own teammates on the way to the end zone. Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for 202 yards but was also picked off in the contest.

In four outings in 2016, the Titans’ defensive unit has allowed only five touchdowns while the offense and special teams have surrendered three scores. And eight turnovers in four games hasn’t help Mike Mularkey’s cause either.

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3. Brock Osweiler still learning

For the fourth time in as many games, Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler was picked off by the opposition. In fact, for the second time in three weeks, he threw a pair of interceptions.

The young signal-caller is still learning to find other options other than 2015 Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins. Yes, rookie Will Fuller had another impressive game on Sunday and led Houston with nine targets. Meanwhile, Hopkins was tied with Jaelen Strong with six passes thrown his way. But the start wideout was limited to one catch for four yards.

The strong-armed Osweiler has to avoid the temptation to force the ball while his team stays aggressive on offense. It’s a tough balancing act for any quarterback, much less for one that has now made only 11 starts in his pro career.

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