Things to Watch is adapted from a conversation between Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer and Sideline Analyst John Harris.
According to Texans radio analyst John Harris and voice Marc Vandermeer, three specific areas will determine whether the Texans or Titans finally break into the win column at NRG Stadium.
Key #1: Pass Pro
The Texans' offensive line faces its most favorable matchup of the young season against a Tennessee pass rush that has generated minimal pressure.
"Pass protection. We talk about it every week, right? It's got to be good," Harris emphasized. "You are facing a team that only has two sacks on the season. You have to be able to protect C.J. Stroud this game."
The intermediate passing game, in particular, has suffered due to poor protection in the first three games. "There are some things there in the intermediate game that I know C.J. can hit, but because he's been sped up, there have been some things that haven't been there," Harris observed.
While Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons remains a "terror" in Harris's words, the overall lack of pass rush should allow Stroud to operate more comfortably and finally flourish in the passing attack.
Key #2: Tackle Cam Ward Decisively
On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans must approach Tennessee rookie quarterback Cam Ward with a specific game plan focused on sound tackling fundamentals.
"Rushing Cam Ward is a challenge. You've got to keep him in the rushing lanes. Then you have to tackle him," Harris said after speaking with defensive tackle Tommy Togiai. "And that sounds easy, like, well, duh, you get back there. A lot of times you get back there and they're not squared up. They're not in good tackling position."
"Baker Mayfield, same thing. He is a stronger guy than you would think. He will keep a play alive. So as he keeps the play alive and you approach him, you've got to bring him all the way to the ground. As simple as that sounds, it's not."
Ward, selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, possesses the athletic ability to extend plays with his legs. "Instead of being sacked for five yards, he runs for 15," Harris asked, referencing Houston's Week 2 struggles.
Key #3: Dominate the Running Game
Perhaps the most encouraging matchup for Houston lies on the ground, where Tennessee has struggled mightily through three weeks.
"Running game. They give it up on the ground. They have so far through the first three games," Harris stated emphatically. "The Colts ran on them. They just lost to the Colts. They lost to Denver. They lost to the Rams. You can run on this team. Do it. Feast. Eat. Get the ground game going."
The numbers support Harris's optimism: "They give up over 140 a game on the ground. Capitalize on that."
With Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks showing promise, the Texans possess the personnel to exploit Tennessee's weaknesses. Establishing the run would serve multiple purposes: controlling the clock, setting up play-action opportunities, and keeping Ward off the field.
Harris acknowledged that Tennessee recognizes this vulnerability: "Now the Titans are saying right now, we got to stop the run, if anything. And force them to pass and then go after them. That way I get it, they're gonna gear up for it, but find a way to get your ground yard."
The payoff for success on the ground could be substantial: "It's gonna make things so much easier if you get those ground yards through the air. Yes, absolutely."
The Unity Factor
Beyond tactical execution, both broadcasters emphasized the importance of building positive momentum early in the game.
"This is what we need to create a great atmosphere at NRG Stadium. Get a lead. Try to get up by 10. Oh my gosh. Get that going. Get everybody happy again. Have fun playing the game somehow."
Harris echoed the sentiment about consistent execution: "Finish each drive with kicks, hopefully more Ka'imi Fairbairn than Tommy Townsend, but do that."
If Houston can execute these three keys – protection, tackling, and running – against a Tennessee team that has shown vulnerabilities in each area, the Texans could finally break through for their first victory of the 2025 season at the perfect time in front of their home crowd.
