Embattled is a good word to describe Domanick Davis’ season.
The Texans running back was hit by injuries in the preseason. Then he had difficulties holding on to the football. The problems Houston had in the running game over a three-game losing streak didn't help much, either.
But Davis was healthy Sunday.
And he was clutching the football tightly against his left side as he scampered into the open field and down the sideline for a 41-yard touchdown run.
The score sealed a 31-21 Texans victory over the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium.
His hand only relaxed the death grip when he flipped the ball into the north end zone bleachers.
"That's just how it goes," Davis said of the team's difficulties over the past month and his success. "I've had a few nicks and bruises that slowed me down a little bit. But like I said, I'm back."
Davis led the Texans with 129 rushing yards – only the second 100-yard game for the team this season – and 52 receiving yards.
Some may criticize Davis' touchdown run. It came 1:34 left in the game and with one of the NFL's greatest comeback artists in Steve McNair ready to run the Titans offense.
But the hole opened up and Davis ran through it.
It put a huge exclamation point on a comeback that saw the Texans overcome a 21-3 deficit. It was also the first time Houston has swept a division opponent.
"(The opening) was big," he said with a relishing smile. "It kind of scared me."
The Titans had never allowed a 100-yard rusher in the now six-game history between the two teams. In fact, only 10 running backs have rushed for 100-yards or more against the Titans franchise since 1996.
Make that 11.
"There was too much talk in there about the running game and nothing really changed," Davis said. "I'm feeling good. The line is feeling great. They're doing their job and making my job much easier."
Davis quickly diverted most attention to the offensive line, which was less than thrilled about its collective performance over the past few games.
The unit allowed two sacks, but paved the way for 149 total rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Titans.
"We felt we could go out at really anytime and run the ball on them and move the chains," right tackle Todd Wade said.
The Texans were successful on third down, converting a solid 50 percent of their attempts, including a 3 rd and 13 in the fourth quarter, which Davis picked up on a screen pass.
His 181 total yards is second most in team history and keyed the remarkable comeback.
"I'm proud of our football team," Texans head coach Dom Capers said. "I like the attitude, effort and determination of our team today. The true mark of a man, to me, is one who battles back from adversity."
MILLER TIME:Tight end Billy Miller had just seven receptions entering Sunday's game. He made four against the Titans, including grabbing his first touchdown pass since November of last year.
He laid on his back for a few seconds after the touchdown catch soaking up the moment.
He was equally impressed with the Texans ability to return from a 21-3 hole.
"You'd be amazed at the confidence level in this locker room," Miller said. "We've got guys that feel that they can win it by themselves, including myself. When you've got young guys with that much fight like we got, we never feel like we're out of a game."
PEEEEEEEEK:Antwan Peek continued to make the most of his opportunities on the field Sunday.
The reserve outside linebacker came into the game on passing downs in the fourth quarter and forced a turnover that gave the Texans the ball with 10:24 left.
Peek sacked McNair and forced a fumble, which Kailee Wong recovered.
Peek also got pressure on McNair on the Titans last possession. Texans safety Marlon McCree intercepted a pass with under two minutes to play, setting up Houston's final score and sealing the game.
