Week One sucked. However, it is no longer Week One, and the team opposing the Texans is not the New England Patriots, so there is every reason to be optimistic today. The Texans are taking on a a Titans team that they dropped 54 points on last season when Deshaun Watson was playing QB. Watson, along with the returning Will Fuller and the rest of the Texans’ offense, will look to continue their blistering pace from last year’s affair while Houston’s defense will look to continue its promising moments from the second half of the contest last week. This will be your home for the first quarter of today’s proceedings. Enjoy! NOTE: Please do not post any images, videos, GIFs, or non-text comments in any of BRB’s live game threads. They tend to slow the thread down and can take a long time to load. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. NOTE II: Due to the fast-paced nature of these threads, there will be no warnings before bans on game day. If a moderator deems a comment or user to be problematic, he or she will remove that person from the discussion for the good of the collective game day experience. If you’re on the wrong side of the law today and want your posting privileges reinstated, please send an e-mail to one of us tomorrow. NOTE III: Please refrain from any reference to or mention of any religion or religious figure, even if you believe it’s celebratory or inoffensive. If you make such a reference or comment, it will be deleted and you will be warned. Two violations of this rule will result in a ban.<doc-sep>Identifying the key matchups that could determine the outcome of the Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans Week 2 game. It isn’t often that a team has a must-win game in Week 2. However, a case could be made that the Tennessee Titans must pull out a win against the Houston Texans this weekend after an embarrassing loss in the season opener to the Miami Dolphins. As Will Lomas pointed out earlier this week, only 10% of teams that start 0-2 recover to make the playoffs. Things look even grimmer when looking ahead, as the Titans are slated to play the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the following weeks. To make matters worse, the Titans have been hit by a rash of injuries that will keep Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin, Delanie Walker and potentially Marcus Mariota out of Sunday’s contest. Injuries have also slowed key contributors like Corey Davis, Rashaan Evans, Rishard Matthews, Derrick Morgan, and Harold Landry in recent weeks. Luckily for the Titans, their opponent also stumbled out of the gate last week. The Texans defense did little to slow the explosive Patriots offense. They managed to sack Tom Brady twice, but he still moved the ball up and down the field with ease and the game was never as close as the final score might indicate. Meanwhile, on offense, Deshaun Watson returned to the field for his first regular season action since an ACL tear prematurely ended his 2017 season. He failed to replicate his explosive performances from 2017 with a pedestrian 176 yard, one touchdown and one interception performance. Their offensive line struggled in pass protection all day and struggled even more once starting tackle Seantrel Henderson suffered a season-ending ankle injury. This game has massive repercussions for both 0-1 division rivals that are looking to make the playoffs. The loser will have a much steeper, narrower path to reach the playoffs with little margin for error. Let’s take a look at some of the matchups that will have a major impact on this all important division game.<doc-sep>The heavy waves of optimism were rolling for both the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans coming into the 2018 season. At the outset of training camp both teams had taken aim at winning the AFC South and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. But after disappointing showings in their respective season openers (matching 27-20 losses), both squads are coming into a pivotal Week 2 divisional matchup with more questions than answers. The Texans came out flat on both sides of the ball against New England. What was supposed to be a rousing return of defensive stars JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus, both of whom appeared in only five games last season due to injury, was almost too faint to notice. The former All-Pros combined for five tackles and two quarterback hits in their comeback as Tom Brady picked apart the Houston defense for three passing touchdowns. The reappearance of quarterback Deshaun Watson was almost as lackluster. Watson, who missed nine games last season with a torn ACL, didn’t show any flashes of the player who turned so many heads in his rookie campaign, completing 17-of-34 passes for 176 yards and two turnovers (1INT, 1 fumble). Of course, it’s wildly unfair to judge Watson based off his first game back from major knee surgery and in only the eighth start of his young NFL career. Watson has the opportunity to bounce back this Sunday against a Titans defense that allowed Ryan Tannehill to complete over 70 percent of his passes at more than eight yards a clip after not taking a regular season snap in 637 days. Last Sunday’s third quarter in Miami proved to be the quarter from hell for the Titans. Quarterback Marcus Mariota was pulled from the game in favor of Blaine Gabbert after throwing back-to-back picks, a likely symptom from an elbow injury sustained earlier in the quarter. The Titans’ best offensive lineman , left tackle Taylor Lewan, was knocked out cold on a dirty, blindside block during an interception return that immediately sent him into concussion protocol, and he's listed as questionable for this week. And sadly, Mariota’s best target and team captain, tight end Delanie Walker, was lost for the season after being carted off the soggy Miami sod with a gnarly ankle injury. On top of all the misery the third quarter offered the Titans on Sunday, the game officially took seven hours, eight minutes to play, making it the longest game in NFL history thanks to nearly four hours' worth of lightning delays. I think it’s safe to say that Week One was not exactly the start of the Mike Vrabel era that most Titans fans were expecting. Houston at Tennessee Kickoff: Sunday Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. ET TV: CBS Spread: Texans - 2.5 Three Things to Watch 1. Texans' O-line woes continue Last season the Texans had one of the worst, if not the worst offensive line in the NFL, ranking 31st in sacks allowed (54) and allowing their quarterbacks to be hit an unhealthy 117 times. The Texans zeroed in on their blocking woes this offseason by signing three free agent starters in Seantrel Henderson, Senio Kelemete, and Zach Fulton. But the Texans old problems have been made new again after Henderson, the starting right tackle, was lost for the season after suffering a severe ankle injury against the Pats. Starting left tackle Julie'n Davenport moved into Henderson’s spot while rookie Martinas Dankin took over on the left side, promptly giving up a sack on his second snap of the game, one of three allowed (along with 12 QB hits) by the Texan’s O-line last week. So the offensive line that was so badly beaten last year, and allegedly fixed in the offseason, has already faltered and been shuffled before the horn on Week 1 sounded — not great if you’re Deshaun Watson trying to regain your rhythm. 2. A tale of two quarterbacks, part I Week One didn’t get off the greatest start for the Titans’ franchise quarterback. Mariota lost his best receiving option in Delanie Walker and his Boss Hogg-impersonating, blind side pass protector in Taylor Lewan. Walker is gone for the season, thrusting the responsibility of getting open to an unproven and unreliable group of wide receivers that only caught seven passes last week — six of which were by wide receiver Corey Davis. Vrabel has yet to commit to Lewan’s playing status as of yet, but the fifth year lineman has not participated in any sort of practice and was actually sent home early by the training staff earlier this week. On top of all that, Mariota is dealing with health issues of his own after taking a low hit from the Dolphins’ William Hayes after a handoff, a hit that the NFL now says was flag worthy. Mariota complained he had no sensation in his hand and couldn’t grip the ball, which likely lead to interceptions on consecutive third quarter drives. After resting earlier in the week, Mariota was back at practice on Wednesday and said he felt fine after throwing, but how fine he feels come Sunday with a hungry Texans front seven chasing after him remains to be seen. 3. A tale of two quarterbacks, part deux Without trying to sound too hot-takey (it’s a word, look it up), Deshaun Watson looked like a fraction of his 2017 self last week against a marginal Patriots defense. Here’s where the hot-takitude (another real word) ends: Deshaun Watson should be just fine. Watson took the blame for the Houston offense’s inability to function properly last week, and he should, at least a portion of it. He never looked comfortable in the few clean pockets that he did have, leading to poor decision making, including forcing a throw into the end zone that was intercepted on what he thought was a free play. Last season Watson thrived on third downs and in the red zone, completing over 86 percent of his passes, but against New England he was just 3-of-8 in those situations. Like Mariota, Watson is dealing with his own health problems and is listed as questionable with concussion like symptoms, but is expected to play on Sunday. Watson is looking to get his 2017 groove back this weekend against a Titans’ secondary that is as deep as any on paper; but as proven against Miami, it's still susceptible to giving up the big play — a Watson specialty. Final Analysis A lot can and does happen throughout the course of an NFL season, so it might be hyperbole to pontificate about a Week 2 divisional matchup being a must-win game for any team. Coaches and players would say it’s the NFL and every game is a must win. I guarantee that’s what they’re saying in the Titans’ and Texans’ meeting rooms this week — Sunday’s game is a must-win. With two ailing offensive lines, and two banged up quarterbacks, this game will likely come down to whose defense can make the most plays. It’s time for Houston’s D to come back to life. Give me the Texans by a hair. Prediction: Texans 20, Titans 18 — Written by Jake Rose, who is a part of the Athlon Sports Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @JakeRose24.<doc-sep>
I’ve barely had a chance to work myself into my “seasonal lather” and here we are, already playing the Tennessee Titans (better known ‘round these parts as the BESFs). The Texans have a good shot to ruin Mike Vrabel’s home debut as coach of the Titans...as if a Texans win in Nashville could possibly be any sweeter than normal. Let’s see how the BRB staff thinks this one will go... Tim: Texans 27, Titans 17. We’ll see a team closer to what may of us thought the 2018 Houston Texans would be this week instead of what we saw last week. I expect a significantly more successful downfield passing game with the presumable return of Will Fuller, and I’m interested to see if Lamar Miller can run this week like he did against the Patriots. I also believe we’ll see a better pass rush that forces Marcus Mariota into a mistake or two. Diehard Chris: Texans 27, Titans 13. After last week I have... concerns. However, my most overwhelming Week 1 thought is that, dammit, the Texans lost a game they were supposed to lose against the greatest coach and QB of all time. So I’m gonna roll with that, else begins an unrelenting multi-week panic. The Titans keep it close for most of the game before Deshaun Watson starts to cut it loose in the second half. J.J. Watt looks close to his old self, Tyrann Mathieu comes up with another turnover, and Houston wins 27-13. Also, if Marcus Mariota plays, he continues to make us all wonder why people think he’s good. He’s not. After the win, we all take a collective deep breath and re-center ourselves for a good season that ends with at least one playoff win. Please? Kenneth L.: Titans 26, Texans 20. Yikes. 0-2? Not a good start for your boys in deep steel blue. Titans at home is never easy plus we are reshuffling our offensive line and secondary. I am worried that the team still is not fully in sync and the WR position is not fully healthy. This game depends on the health and wellness of Mariota and Taylor Lewan to return healthy after injuries against the Dolphins. BFmf’nD: Texans 126, Titans 0. For me, this game is heavily dependent upon Marcus Mariota starting. If he does, the BE-SFs have a chance to win the game. If it’s Blaine Gabbert, then LOLs for everybody. Regardless, F the BE-SFs. UprootedTexan: Texans 40, Traitors 1. I’ve been in Greece the last two weeks and learned more about the Titans and the hideous monsters they spawned and let loose on humanity, which feels like an appropriate comparison to the loathesome Cletuses of Tennessee. I have no analysis of this game because I’ve been out of the country, but the Titans and their fans can snort my taint forever. Capt. Ron: Texans 24, Titans 13. O’Brien needs a bounce-back game or the pitchforks and torches will be heading to Kirby. Last week, the apprentice was pantsed by his former master. This week he should return the favor in kind to his former apprentice Vrabel. The lack of playing time for several starters during preseason showed a Houston team as rusty as we have ever witnessed, but towards the end of the tilt with New England, Watt, Watson and others started showing that they were getting their legs under them again and coming up to speed. This should be a much better matchup for all to get right. Mike Bullock: Houston 41 Tennessee 17. Deshaun Watson wakes up, takes the game on his shoulders, and puts his name back in the hat for MVP. J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and crew show Mike Vrabel’s new kids that they’re the ones Daddy loved first. Taylor Lewan proves once again he can’t stop #ClowneyComin’. H-Town for the win. kdentify: Texans 38, Titans 10. RAC’s men show no mercy to their former coach/coordinator’s new team and Vrabel’s defense can’t handle an energized Watson. OB will be looking to not be shown up by his former employee, so I expect our offense to be clicking. How do you see the game going Sunday? Is there a realistically survivable way forward for any of you if the Texans don’t win? Will you cut off all contact with your family? Will you enter into an agreement with unsavory characters in order to get this team back where it needs to be? I know for a fact BFD is skilled in the Dark Arts.