Young & Johnson Too Much For Texan D

By Jeremy Neighbours November 23, 2009

The Titans have arguably the league's most dangerous tailback in Chris Johnson. Now they have a quarterback at the helm in Vince Young whose running ability has formed a formidable two-headed monster for the offense.

Both Young and Johnson used their speed to make plays for the Titans as they sliced and diced their way through the Texans defense in the 20-17 win Monday night. Young and Johnson combined for 224 of the Titans 228 rushing yards. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher was complimentary of No. 10's decisions of when to tuck and run Monday night.

“He’s been using his legs since he came back, but he knows when a team elects to play man-to-man and their cornerbacks are running, he’s going to pull it down and run," Fisher said. "He did a good job of it.”

Young continued his efficient game-managing, in addition to his 73 yards rushing, as he completed 12-of-22 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown pass to rookie wideout Kenny Britt. Fisher said the former Texas Longhorn performed nicely despite a raucous crowd in Reliant Stadium.

"Aside from the running and the key throws that he made, he managed the line of scrimmage very well in a noisy place," Fisher said.

Johnson joined franchise greats, Earl Campbell and Eddie George, as he went over the century mark in rushing for the fifth straight game. The former East Carolina Pirate had a more difficult time than usual churning out the yards, but still rushed 29 times for 151 yards. Fisher knew Johnson had to work for every yard he gained against the Texans defense.

"CJ earned every yard tonight," Fisher said. "It wasn't easy, but he's bouncing around in the locker room right now looking from more."

Part of the success for Johnson and Young has been the Titans decision to implement the speed option at certain times and it has worked very well. As the first quarter closed, Young sprinted out on an option play before pitching to Johnson who took it for a 17-yard gain. Young said the option had been a nice addition to the Titans offensive attack.

”That’s big for us," Young said. "It gets us down field. Alge Crumpler does a great job of giving us the edge. It’s a big play for us when you get [Titans RB Chris Johnson] and me coming off the edge, if you take(RB) Chris[Johnson] I’ll use my legs and if you take me I’ll pitch to CJ."

Young and Johnson's success in the backfield has helped the Titans (4-6) win their fourth consecutive game as they head back to Nashville where they'll await a potent Arizona Cardinals team in Week 12.