Titans Again Play Opponent Coming Off A Bye

Staff Report November 16, 2009

For the second consecutive week, the Titans next opponent will have had a week's rest before playing the 3-6 squad.

The Houston Texans (5-4) received a week's rest in Week 10 after losing a 20-17 nailbiter to the Colts the previous week. Texans kicker Kris Brown, who had connected on a 56-yard field goal earlier the contest, missed a 42-yard attempt as time expired to keep the Colts undefeated. Indianapolis (9-0) improved to 8-0 after the AFC South battle.

"I missed the kick," Brown said according to ESPN.com. "I was going through my routine, and I felt good walking on the field. I take a lot of pride in kicking, especially in these situations. To have that happen is very disappointing."

Houston had opportunities to upend the unbeaten Colts, but 13 penalties for 103 yards, which aided three of the Colts four scoring drives, helped seal the Texans fate.

Still, Houston held the Colts high-powered offense to 20 points when it had averaged 28.1 points-per-game coming into the matchup. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak can take that knowing the defense kept them in the game with an opportunity to get a win.

“To hold a Peyton Manning team to 20 points, you have to like your chances,” Kubiak said according to the Houston Chronicle on November 8th. “Our defense kept us in the game.”

Texans dynamic wideout Andre Johnson had ten catches for 103 yards, but was held without a score in the loss. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that there's no shutting the former Miami Hurricane down. Instead, the Titans must make the effort to reduce No. 80's production next Monday night at Reliant Stadium.

"You're not going to shut him down," Fisher said. "You just have to try to minimize the number of touches and minimize the big plays. He's going to catch the ball.

"One of the things the Texans have done this year in particular is they've done a great job of creating ways to get him the football. They're moving him around."

The Titans and Texans kickoff from Houston next Monday night at 7:30 p.m. central. Titans Countdown airs at 6:30 p.m. central.