J.J. Watt was blocked by just a single man several times on Sunday.
And several times, Watt wrecked the Titans offense.
With nine quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss, Watt capitalized on the lack of attention across the line.
"Yeah, I enjoy one-on-ones very much," the defensive end said. "They are a lot more fun. They provide a lot more opportunities, sometimes I am surprised when I get them, and there were a few of them today."
Watt and Whitney Mercilus harassed Tennessee's Zach Mettenberger, who was sacked a total of seven times by the Texans defense. Mettenberger also tossed an interception in the 20-6 loss, and moved the Tennessee offense past the Houston 47-yard line just twice.
Watt now has 14.5 career sacks against the Titans, which is his highest total against any team. He's done that in nine career games. He's also tallied two or more sacks against Tennessee in each of the last three showdowns with them, and he's had multiple sacks against them in six games. The single blocker against Watt did not work in the Titans' favor on Sunday.
"It is my job to take advantage of them when I get them because I know I don't get them very often,"
Watt said. "I know that when I do get them, I think I need to make them count. I feel like today we did that."
Watt didn't practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of a back injury, and was limited during Friday's work. On Sunday, however, he didn't seem to be slowed by the injury.
"He was around the quarterback a lot," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "So was Whitney. All of them were. They really did a good job."
Mercilus, who finished with 3.5 sacks, was quick to point out that Watt was a big help to his efforts.
"J.J. is going to do what J.J. does and we are just going to play off of him," Mercilus said.
Watt, Mercilus and the Texans now have a week off, before playing in two weeks on Monday Night Football at Cincinnati.
Check out the best photos from Sunday's game against the Titans.
