NASHVILLE, Tenn. --This week the Tennessee Titans (4-7) play their second of three consecutive games against AFC South opponents, as they host the division-leading Houston Texans (10-1). Kickoff at LP Field (capacity 69,143) is scheduled for noon CT on Sunday, Dec. 2.
The clubs played their first of two annual contests on Sept. 30 at Reliant Stadium. The Texans prevailed by a final score of 38-14, despite 141 rushing yards by Titans running back Chris Johnson—his first of four 100-yard efforts over the last eight games.
The Titans were forced to play the majority of the contest without starting quarterback Jake Locker, who suffered a left shoulder injury on the team's second offensive series. Matt Hasselbeck stepped in and passed for 193 yards and a pair of touchdown passes. However, the Titans were unable to overcome three costly turnovers that the Texans turned into 17 total points.
THE BROADCAST
This week's game will be televised regionally on CBS, including Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5. Kevin Harlan will handle play-by-play duties while Solomon Wilcots provides analysis.
The Titans Radio Network, including Nashville flagship 104.5 The Zone, will broadcast the game across the Mid-South with the "Voice of the Titans" Mike Keith, color commentator Frank Wycheck, sideline reporter Cody Allison and gameday host Larry Stone.
LAST WEEK
The Titans visited the Jacksonville last week and lost to the Jaguars by a final score of 24-19. Despite throwing an interception on his first pass attempt of the game, Jacksonville quarterback Chad Henne went on to complete 17 of 26 passes for 261 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. Henne, who was starting for the first time in a Jaguars uniform, helped end the team's seven-game losing skid.
The Titans defense managed seven sacks in the contest, the most by the team since the 2008 season opener (Sept. 7, 2008 vs. Jacksonville). Rookie linebacker Zach Brown led the way with two sacks, and the team received one sack each from linebacker Akeem Ayers, safety Michael Griffin, defensive end Kamerion Wimbley and defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug.
On offense, Titans quarterback Jake Locker, who made his sixth start of the season, completed 23 of 40 passes for 261 yards, one touchdown and a pair of late interceptions. He found wide receiver Kenny Britt for a six-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Other than Britt's touchdown, the team's remaining 13 points were scored by Rob Bironas, who made four of five field goal attempts and an extra point.
THE TEXANS
The Texans, who are tied with the Atlanta Falcons (10-1) for the NFL's best record, will have 10 days to prepare for the Titans. Last week they visited Detroit on Thanksgiving and escaped with a 34-31 overtime victory—their fifth consecutive win and their second overtime win in five days. In their previous game, they defeated the Jaguars 43-37 in extra time.
Against the Lions, Shayne Graham's game-winning 32-yard field goal capped a day in which Arian Foster ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns; Matt Schaub passed for 315 yards and a score; Andre Johnson had 188 receiving yards; and J.J. Watt had three sacks.
U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DRIVE
Prior to the game, fans are encouraged to participate in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off with members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve stationed outside of the gates at LP Field. All toys collected during the drive will be used in the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and distributed to children in Middle Tennessee.
