The Houston Texans will host the Tennessee Titans Sunday at NRG Stadium in the 47th meeting between these AFC South rivals, with both teams carrying identical records thus far this season.
Series History and Stakes
"The Texans will take on Tennessee Sunday at NRG Stadium, the 47th meeting in the history of this series with the former Oilers and the Titans still leading this thing 24 to 22 somehow even though the Texans have dominated relatively in recent years," explained Texans radio voice Marc Vandermeer.
"This one certainly means a whole lot to both teams because they're both 0 and 3, aching for a victory," Vandermeer emphasized during the team's preview show.
Texans' Path to Victory
"I charted every drive from the other day and I noticed that the first play of each drive was where work needs to be done," Harris observed. "Nico's drop off the tip pass, a false start, a holding penalty that wiped out 10 plus 15 more on what would have been a penalty. The drives have got to start better."
The solution seems straightforward to Harris: "They've got to be in second and seven... That's a whole heck of a lot better than first and 20. So when I talk about better offense, first down and first play of the drive efficiency has got to be better."
Ball security remains paramount, especially late in games. "Don't turn it over in the fourth quarter," Harris stressed, referring to costly mistakes that have haunted Houston in their first three losses.
Titans Vulnerabilities
Tennessee presents opportunities for the Texans to finally break through offensively. The Titans have managed just two sacks through three games, giving C.J. Stroud and the passing attack hope for better protection.
"You are facing a team that only has two sacks on the season. That's it. That's all they've got," Harris noted. "You have to be able to protect C.J. Stroud this game."
On the ground, Tennessee has been even more generous, surrendering over 140 yards per game rushing.
"They give it up on the ground. They have so far through the first three games," Harris explained. "The Colts ran on them... You can run on this team. Do it. Feast. Eat. Get the ground game going."
Quarterback Matchup
The game features a compelling contrast between Houston's second-year pro Stroud and Tennessee's rookie Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ward has struggled early in his professional career, completing just 54 of 99 passes for 506 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception through three games. His 54.5 passer rating in the season opener against Denver set an ominous tone for his rookie campaign.
For Houston's defense, containing Ward's mobility will be crucial. "Rushing Cam Ward is a challenge. You've got to keep him in the rushing lanes and keep him there. Then you have to tackle him," Harris explained. "A lot of times guys get back there and they're not squared up... And then a really strong, good athlete breaks out of there."
Keys to Victory
Three critical factors will determine Sunday's outcome, according to the Texans broadcast team:
Pass Protection: Against a defense with minimal pass rush, the Texans must provide Stroud time to operate effectively at all three levels of the passing game.
Defensive Tackling: Tennessee's Ward must be contained in the pocket and brought down decisively when pressure arrives.
Running Game Execution: With Tennessee's vulnerabilities on the ground, establishing the run early could control the game's tempo and set up play-action opportunities.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the immediate need for a first victory, this game carries deeper significance for both franchises. As Vandermeer noted, "Harmony, Unity, let's get to some of that here with this football team... This is what we need to create a great atmosphere at NRG Stadium. Get a lead. How about that? Get a lead. Try to get up by 10."
The recipe for success remains simple: "Have fun playing the game somehow... And obviously, winning is fun. "
Sunday's noon kickoff on International Day at NRG Stadium will determine which team can break free from their early-season struggles and begin building momentum for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. With both teams desperate for victory, expect a physical, emotional battle between these AFC South rivals.
