They play twice in three weeks. I think there's a real possibility the Texans are somewhat OK with a loss today, expecting a W next game.
They're at a typical young team crossroad with so many players hurt and just tired or banged up. Radio had them returning seven to full time starting work by the next matchup. This really is like their B team and in two weeks their A team plays.
The Titans are down 3 of their top 4 DL and super inviting to run upon. They've also got slowish but heady ILBs that are sort of tweeners between starters and backups.
I strongly believe Ryans plans to run run run and take some deep shots. Boringly predictable but he doesn't have much options and it's very safe. Another point is that's what this team still lacks. The (Parcells word) wherewithall to run against a D expecting it and do well anyway. Stroud has too much on his back. This could be a good team building game if they can run well.
Keenum is a minimal risk taker QB and that supports this too. He averages around 200 ypg with a TD and INT in his last three games where he played significantly. Run run, maybe throw to Schultz, run, run...very safe.
Titans pass D has been atrocious and worse since Byard left. Chris Harris and Vrabel pulled a rabbit out of a hat last week against arguably the best WR corps. The Texans could test them but with who at WR?
Hopkins whole career he's been expected to get alot of passes and done well anyway. When Spears slides for a screen, he's somehow doing well anyway. Ryans should definitely have a plan to slow them down and get Levis into uncomfortable situations.
Burks' decoy status and Titans staff not disagreeing has been upsetting. Phillips already declared out. Moore's one catch per game. All they've got left is Chig (Whyle is out) and NWI and...Kelly seems just fine with things as is. It's disturbing to say the least.
Henry has historically had best ever stats against the Texans with 200 yard games but Kelly doesn't ever make it a run early n often game so this isn't likely to be another.
This is the team that fired him and his ego is coming off the high of beating the Fins. I'm quite worried that he'll mess up what should be a rare Titans win.
Ryans is about the worst matchup of defensive minds for Kelly right now. He's practiced against it, got every tape, and even knows Nuk well. There's been talk of Vrabel n Ryans knowing each other but I think Kelly is the huge story.
Levis has been wise, sooo much wiser than expected on draft day. He's not throwing intermediate routes and minimizing risks, but still he doesn't have anywhere near the number of INTs you'd expect from a rookie QB. This could be a trap game for him.
Titans win this one if they don't overthink. Texans blow em out next game
