The Houston Texans handled the Tennessee Titans with ease, winning 20-6. The Texans are now 3-5, while the Titans drop to 1-6. Here are three things we learned from each team in the Texans' win.
Houston Texans:
1. Running Game An Issue
The running game hasn't been great this season, especially without Arian Foster. Excluding one game, Alfred Blue has not played well. He's not the long-term answer, and the Texans should invest in a younger RB in the draft this offseason.
2. DeAndre Hopkins Carries The Offense
Without Hopkins, this Texans' offense would be ugly. No one in the league has been able to cover him, and he torched the Titans for 94 yards and a score on eight catches. There isn't a WR in the NFL who is dominating more than Hopkins.
3. Bill O'Brien Isn't To Blame
The Texans haven't been great this season, and that's led to some speculation that head coach Bill O'Brien is on the hot seat. However, O'Brien shouldn't bear the blame for the Texans. The blame should fall on poor QB, injuries and questionable personnel moves (especially failing to find a QB) from general manager Rick Smith. O'Brien is a good coach and the Texans shouldn't think about firing him.
Tennessee Titans:
1. Kendall Wright Needs To Do More
Wright caught only four passes for 21 yards, the bulk of which came on an 18-yard grab. Wright is the Titans' best weapon and the team needs to do a better job of getting him the ball. He was targeted seven times, but Wright must play better for the Titans to win.
2. Titans Need Marcus Mariota Back
Mariota is clearly superior to Zach Mettenberger. Despite throwing 30-plus passes in both his starts, Mettenberger has yet to top 187 yards and has only 1 TD against 3 INTs. Mariota is clearly the franchise QB and the team needs him out there. While the team is right to be careful with him, since they can't risk ruining their investment, Mariota needs reps to keep improving.
3. Ken Whisenhunt Should On The Hot Seat
In 22 games with the Titans, Whisenhunt has posted an awful 3-19 record. The Titans aren't playing well under him, although talent issues are a factor. Still, in his last 34 games, Whisenthunt has produced just four wins. He needs to be on the hot seat, because the Titans can do better.
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