Better Next Time
The loss to the Titans was like making Thanksgiving dinner and overcooking the Turkey - It didn't go down easy but you have to take it, move on and make a better meal next time.
This defeat launches you right into Jacksonville week. And if you didn't learn it against the Jets or the Titans, get ready – the Jags have everything they need to make life difficult for you.
Looking back at the last two home games: The Texans got five picks against Detroit then collected a team record-tying eight sacks against Tennessee, yet lost both games. DeMeco Ryans has his toughest task yet – getting his team to play the consistent brand of football he requires, while charging down the stretch run of the season, against tough competition.
Think about it – the schedule has a date with a rested Jacksonville team, followed by Miami, Kansas City and Baltimore, then a regular season closer at Tennessee, a team that just gave you fits in this frustrating loss.
Makin' a To-Do List & Checking It Twice
The to-do list after this one is long.
Tennessee ran the ball effectively with Tony Pollard going for 119 yards and a TD. Will Levis threw it to the tune of 278 yards, two touchdowns and a disastrous pick 6 by Jimmie Ward that could have been the play of the game.
But it wasn't.
Because the Texans weren't able to add more points other than a field goal. And the Titans, after said field goal, hit on a one-play 70-yard drive – a pass to Chig Okonkwo that put them back up for good.
The Texans had opportunity after opportunity to win this game. Ward's INT TD was late in the third quarter. The defense made a stop. With the ball at the Houston 34, the Texans had a four-yard gain followed by two false starts and a nine-yard sack.
On the ensuing punt, they got the ball right back on a muff. Three more plays resulted in a 54-yard Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal, which broke an NFL record with 12 from beyond 50 in a single season.
View the best photos from the Week 12 matchup between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
A Half to Forget
It's hard to digest that later on, down three, Fairbairn would miss from 28 yards, putting the team in critical condition. He's made so many big field goals, this one was an aberration, and costly.
But there's not one specific area that you can point to. We talk about total team wins, this loss had a bit of everything. The second half was one to forget. Houston had only 83 net yards after the break. Plus, the team committed nine of their 11 penalties after intermission.
Yet here's the thing – there's still a two game lead in the division and every chance to pull together and accomplish great things. There's too much to work with to let this loss fester - Too many good people in the building to let this pile up.
Yes, this team needs a bye, but they can't get one until after they visit the Jags. And the only way to enjoy it will be to get a victory in North Florida.
Next week starts now.
