MNF Titans – Texans Preview

Thursday, 19 November 2009 00:00

The Houston Texans have a winning record after 9 games -5-4- for the first time in franchise history.They are also in the race for a wild card berth in the playoff with the Jacksonville Jaguars,also at 5-4 but with the tiebreaker in their favor as they won in Houston on Week 3.

Every game is now a must-win situation,and the Texans still have to play in Jacksonville on Dec.6 on what could be a decisive game to reach the postseason.

After a surprising desastrous 0-6 start,the Tennesse Titans won their last 3 games since Vince Young returned as starting quarterback.Star RB Chris Johnson will look to lead the Titans to their fourth straight win in Monday night’s AFC South clash.

Johnson will be the Texans biggest concern,he rushed for 495 yards,had 136 yds receiving and scored 6 TDs in the Titans’ 3 straight wins.In the first meeting in Tennesse Johnson gained 197 yards in 16 carries,caught 9 passes for 87 more and scored 3 TDs.

Houston still managed to win 34-31 thanks to QB Matt Schaub who threw for 357 yds and 4 TDs.

The Texans’ defense has impoved a lot since,they held their last six opponents to 60.5 rushing yards,the fewest in the NFL in that stretch.To slow down Johnson could be the key factor for a win Monday night.

“The defense,they’ve come a long way”said Houston coach Gary Kubiak “They’re getting better and better.They’re the strength of our football team right now...”

Matt Schaub is third in the league in passing yards behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady,but there is some concern about turnovers in Houston as Schaub has thrown 9 interceptions of the Texans’ 16 total.RB Steve Slaton was benched due to fumbling problems Nov.1 at Buffalo and Ryan Moats didn’t improve the running game,he was held to 38 yds in 16 carries by the Colts on Sunday.

Tennesse is 8-1 on turnovers in their last 3 wins and will look to take advantage of Houston’s weakness in that department.

Steve Young has taken care of the ball since his return as starting QB,the former Texans’ star has only thrown 1 INT in 62 attempts.While not great,his total passing yards has increased each week and he’s completing 71 % of his passes.

The Texans are facing a complete different team in this second meeting against the Titans,it will be a tough task to beat them on Monday night.

“Right now we’re in a situation where we we just have to play the rest of our games and if we win them all,maybe something good will happen.” said Titans’ linebacker Keith Bulluck “We’re trying to stand in anyone’s way who is trying to get to the postseason,so it makes it fun for us.”

It’s unlikely that Tennesse will win their last seven games,but they sure can spoil Houston’s season with a win on Monday.

However,the Texans have a positive attitude,they weren’t nearly satisfied after almost ending Indianapolis’ undefeated record on Nov.8, when Kris Brown missed a 42-yard field goal as game expired to force overtime in the 20-17 loss.

“There are no moral victoties”said WR Andre Johnson “..The biggest thing is just winning.You can get better all you want,but if you’re not winning,it reallydoesn’t matter.”

It’s a very important game for Houston who doesn’t want to lose a step on Jacksonville,as they have a very similar schedule for the rest of the season.

So,both teams are very motivated and it should be a great game on Monday Night Football.I think it will be a close one,I take Tennesse and the points.

Check out the odds and our Special Football Promotions at BetPhoenix.com Sportsbook for all the action in the NFL’s Week 11.

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MNF Titans – Texans Preview

MNF Titans – Texans Preview

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