Chaotic finishes are becoming the norm in the annual meeting in Houston between the Titans and the Texans. Last year, Vince Youngs unforgettable scamper into the end zone provided the Titans with a thrilling 26-20 overtime victory over the Texans. On Sunday, Kerry Collins clutch throw to Roydell Williams set the Titans up for Rob Bironas record-breaking 8th field goal in their wild 38-36 victory over the Texans.
Yesterdays excruciating win consisted of several standout Titan performances as well as some forgettable ones.
The Good
Rob Bironas
Prior to yesterdays contest, Bironas had successfully kicked 8 field goals through the uprights this year. In one afternoon, he doubled his output for the season with an NFL record 8 field goal performance.
Kerry Collins
Collins performed his role as the teams veteran QB backup to perfection yesterday. Stepping in for an injured Vince Young, Collins completed 25 of 42 passes for 280 yards, including a clutch throw to Roydell Williams that set up the game winning field goal. Collins was able to effectively manage the game and make the plays when the team needed him the most.
The running game
The Titans were able to accumulate 155 yards on the ground yesterday, led by LenDale Whites 104 yard rushing performance. Chris Henry, playing in his first NFL game, showed some glimpses of the talent that made him a second round selection in last years draft, displaying a nice combination of speed and power while also scoring his first NFL touchdown. It will be interesting to see if Henry can continue to produce when given the opportunity to carry the football.
The Bad
Red Zone Inefficiency
Masked by Rob Bironass impressive kicking display was the teams inability to score in the red zone. The Titans converted touchdowns on only two of their nine attempts in Houstons red zone yesterday. The Titans inability to score touchdowns opened the door for Houstons stunning 4th quarter comeback by allowing them to stick around in a game they had no business being in.
The Ugly
4th quarter defense
For three quarters, the Titans did their best imitation of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense, stifling Houstons offensive attack through the means of punishing hits and excellent defensive play. Quarterback Matt Schaub was knocked out of the game not once, but twice and the Titans physical defense forced six Houston turnovers.
Visions of the 85 Bears defense quickly faded into oblivion during the tumultuous 4th quarter, as the Titans defense allowed 29 points to the rejuvenated Houston offense. Sage Rosenfels all of a sudden became Tom Brady-like, connecting with Houston receivers for four touchdowns during the 4th quarter.
The Titans are now 4-2 and are emerging as a possible playoff contender in the extremely competitive American Football Conference. With yesterdays inconsistent yet victorious performance behind them, the Titans must continue to improve if their dreams of reaching the postseason are to become a reality.
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