Heading into Sunday's game with the Texans, Mariota had thrown just one interception through three games.
Andre Hal picked off the Titans quarterback twice before halftime.
"This year he's (Hal) worked hard on his hands," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's a very smart player. He's an unsung player. He's a guy that people don't talk about a lot, because you have a lot of stars on that defense. And he's a guy that gets people lined up, he's very smart, he's a tough guy, he takes a lot of pride in being a Texan and so it was really good to see him have those plays today."
The Texans defense didn't take long to force its first turnover against the Tennessee Titans in their Week 4 matchup. Hal picked off Marcus Mariota on the Titans opening drive. On third-and-6, Hal picked off Mariota's pass, intended for Delanie Walker, and added a three-yard return.
With 1:19 left in the second quarter, Hal picked off Mariota a second time when he intercepted a pass intended for Rishard Matthews at mid-field.
In 2016, the Texans starting safety recorded two interceptions through 15 regular season games and one in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at New England. Hal felt he left more plays on the field last season and worked hard to make the most of his opportunities this season.
"I've been practicing and that's what I've been doing since I've been here," Hal said. "Everyday in practice I'm catching balls after practice. Last year, I dropped a lot, so this year I'm not dropping any interceptions."
Hal also recorded four tackles and two passes defensed in the Texans 57-14 win over the Titans. In his four seasons, Hal has eight career interceptions and ties Brian Cushing for the seventh-most in franchise history.
Check out the best photos as the Texans took on the Titans at NRG Stadium.
