TENNESSEE TITANS VS. HOUSTON TEXANS POSTGAME QUOTES

TITANS HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL

(on his emotions after winning his first game as a head coach)

They were just like they are all of the time. Whether you're playing the game, whether you're calling it, you got to execute and we were able to execute the situation as it came up. Our offense was able to take the ball down; I would have loved to have gotten the field goal- the first down and the field goal- it didn't happen. But we executed that situation just like we needed to, they didn't have any timeouts, we kept them in bounds, and so I'm proud of our defense. I'm proud of our offense, I'm proud of the coaches. This win in the NFL is not about the coaching. It will never be about the head coaching. Losing will. But winning is all about the players and the staff getting them ready.

(on the planning that went into overcoming last week's loss)

That's our job. That's my job to make sure we're doing everything we can to give the players the best shot, give this organization the best chance. The effort by the players was second-to-none, and they're tired. It's a long game chasing Deshaun (Watson), who's an unbelievable athlete, it's hard to do that. And by no means was it perfect. But this isn't going to be perfect week in and week out, we're going to grind them out, get a little gritty. But I think that because it was the next week, coming back home, (against) a division opponent, regardless of what happened last week, now we've got to move on and we've got to go on the road to a division opponent.

(on what went into stitching the plan together for this week)

Things happen. Things happen in football, things happen in families, and you don't shut your door and go home at five o'clock, you stick around and you figure things out and you get it done as late as you have to do and give your players the best chance to win. We played the game with Tyler Marz and Kevin Pamphile and I appreciate those guys. I appreciate the work that Keith Carter did to get them ready on short notice. Nobody feels sorry for you. I'm happy for Tyler, I'm happy for Kevin, Blaine (Gabbert) for stepping in there, and obviously the leadership from Ben (Jones) and Q (Quinton Spain) and (Josh) Kline in the middle of our offensive line was key. It's a good defense, a great defense, and it's hard to move the ball against them and so we were able to do that and had some key third downs and picked up some drives and scored touchdowns.

(on if he called the fake punt)

We're going to stay aggressive throughout our time together here in Nashville. We just get tired of people putting 10 guys up there, so we like the guy that we got throwing the ball up there. We got a lot of confidence in Dane (Cruikshank) and we're going to stay aggressive.

(on if that play was planned before the game)

Pretty sure we were prepared for that when it came up. We checked it at the line of scrimmage (on if the Wildcat plays offered a change of pace)

Just trying to give ourselves the best chance to win. The coaches were able to install it and Derrick (Henry) was able to execute it with (Luke) Stocker and Taywan (Taylor). It's not something that's easy. You got timing, the leg lift, I mean, I'm proud of our guys. I'm proud of the way they handled it, they acted like pros, they came in and they were able to appreciate what we were trying to do to give us a chance and there was a lot of movement involved. That's just not something you go out and say, 'OK, here we go.' That was just something this week we thought would give us a chance to move the ball and score some points.

(on the status of quarterback Marcus Mariota)

We'll evaluate that after the game and when Marcus (Mariota) is ready he'll be out there.

(on if he anticipated using Marcus Mariota in today's game)

I thought we would. The way it was going I thought Blaine (Gabbert) had a good grasp of where we were. We'll keep evaluating Marcus and when we have an update on him we'll let you know. But it will never be about one guy, it will never be. That's Marcus (Mariota), that's Blaine, that's Derrick (Henry), it just won't be. We have a great team here, they love each other and they're enjoying this win and now we've got to move on to Jacksonville.

(on how this win reflects his statement at team camp that adversity will reveal this team's character)

I think they are willing to fight, compete, prepare. That's exactly what the message was this week. Everybody throws around culture, what kind of team you have when you lose games, and things don't look so good; and they responded, they competed, they prepared, they came together and played hard for each other.

(on how the defensive put pressure on Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson's when it mattered)

We mixed it up. They've got good players and we'll look at the film, but there were times when we had to have it and we got it. You tell the rushers, 'Don't let him scramble,' and then he stands there, then you tell them, 'Don't rush,' and he scrambles; it's just hard. That's on me to make sure we have a sound plan that we can cut some of these guys loose because he is a great athlete. You have to know where he is, he's going to be able to scramble and gain yards. It's tough to bring down a big, strong player, so we'll continue to evaluate what we're doing and who we're doing it with, but we're going to enjoy this one for the next few hours and then we'll go on to Jacksonville and take a look at the plan.

(on what clicked in the last few drives of the fourth quarter)

We were able to hold the football. We are able to get (Luke) Stocker on a nice play. Apparently they had somebody that was chirping over on the sidelines, and then we had Corey (Davis) I think on that drive- we would like to take care of the ball, we've got to be conscious of that. But we talked coming into this game, run it 40 times, hold them to 17 points, no turnovers on offense, and if we get two on defense, we were pretty comfortable we were going to win the game. I think that we were, other than that second turnover on defense, I might say we accomplished all of those things.

(on if quarterback Blaine Gabbert knew the double pass wasn't a disaster)

I've been preparing for being head coach for a good number of years, I was pretty comfortable I knew exactly what it was going to be. I had no idea this couldn't be that good. It actually looked like it was going to be a good call for us in the end of it, it was like, OK, whatever you say, second-down-and-seven, we'll take it. I was thinking the ball would be back on the 35-yard-line or something. We just have to do a better job. We love the play, the play was good, we just have to execute it better and talk to Blaine about batting it down right there, but we kept our composure. It was pretty chippy and I was disappointed in our team and I let them know that last week. We're not going to leave the sidelines, I know under any circumstances nothing good is going to come of it. I thought it got chippy and I thought we held our composure and that was another instance where we just got them back in a huddle and we were able to keep our composure and keep playing and keep grinding things out.

(on how good it feels to get his first win against his old team)

I've got a lot of great friends over there, I know the cameras probably saw me talking to them. I love having relationships with people and I spent four years there with those players and I put a lot of late nights in with those coaches. That's not something that just goes away in my mind, so regardless of who we play each week, it's hard to win in this league. I recognize that. It just so happened that today was Houston and it wasn't about me and it shouldn't be, it won't be. It should be about the players and the coaches that got them ready.

(on getting the team into the right mindset going into today's game)

There was going to be a game here at noon regardless of who we played, whatever 11 guys we put out there they were going to come watch us and the Texans were going to show up. For us to say, 'Well, it's going to be this-that…" Tyler Marz has been with us for however many years and on the practice squad. We brought him up and that's what you do. And (Kevin) Pamphile, the versatility, that's why we signed him in March. That's just what happens. We went out and got a backup quarterback and we lost a game in Miami with a backup quarterback, and we played our backup quarterback today and we won. It wasn't pretty, but that's what happens. We signed a backup quarterback and he won a game for us, and he started the game as a quarterback, played the whole game, took care of the football and then we signed Pamphile, who's a versatile player, played guard, played tackle, I appreciate Jon (Robinson) Having the foresight to do that.

QUARTERBACK BLAINE GABBERT 

(on if was intending to save yardage on the play where he caught his own pass and threw the ball away)

It saved yardage. It was called on me my rookie year, you're reacting in the game. You know, it worked out in our favor in that situation. It was kind of a flashback to Marcus (Mariota) in Kansas City, catching his own batted ball and running it in, but there were a lot of guys in my way. Rather than taking the 10-yard sack, losing a down, throwing it away and just getting a five-yard penalty, and keeping us relatively close in the field position.

(on the importance of winning a game against a divisional opponent)

Yeah, it's a huge win. Getting (Mike) Vrabel his first win as a head coach was awesome. This team had a lot of adversity throughout the week. The guys fought their way to this win, and I'm just extremely proud of those guys. Our defense did a phenomenal job containing that offense. The guys that had to step in and play on the offensive line did an absolutely tremendous job, opening holes for Dion (Lewis) and Derrick (Henry), and giving me time to throw the football.

(on having six minutes left in the game and putting together the final drive)

Yeah, it was go time. There's always going to be a few drives in a game, a few plays in a game, where you've just got to go play. That was the message I that tried to relay to the guys when we were going out on the field. We got the ball in our hands, and let's just leave it all out here and see what happens.

(on Texans defensive end J.J. Watt playing across from tackle Tyler Marz for the whole game)

You know, Tyler (Marz) did a heck of a job. Getting called up yesterday to start in his first game against a very good front seven that Houston has. Just the determination he had from the first play to the last play was awesome to see. I played with Tyler (Marz) a lot this preseason. He works his tail off week in and week out, prepares extremely hard and I was happy for him today.

(on how he would describe the aggressiveness of the coaching staff)

Just gritty. I know that's such a generic term, but the message that (Mike) Vrabel kind of relays throughout this organization, through the coaching staff to the players, is to keep fighting. Turn it into a fistfight week in, week out. Help the better man win, the better team win, and we were that today.

(on if there was a set of circumstances where he was expecting quarterback Marcus Mariota to come into the game)

No. When you're playing, you're playing. That's any competitive guy when you're out on the field. You want to perform at a high level, hang with the guys, lead the guys. Just have fun out there. You know you can feel that energy, that excitement in the huddle, especially on that last drive when we started chipping away. Guys were juiced. Just got them down close and Ryan (Succop) did a great job. 

(on what he thought of safety Kevin Byard's touchdown pass)

You know, I didn't even see it. I was looking at those little tablet things we have on the sidelines for the plays. I just looked up and saw Dane (Cruikshank) had caught it. I was like, 'I didn't even know we had a trick play in this week.' It was a great, great play by those guys on special teams, recognizing that and getting the ball out.

(on being signed to the Titans to win when Marcus Mariota isn't able to play and and how gratifying it was to do that today)

Whenever you get a chance to start in the National Football League, and especially win the National Football League, it's extremely special. Especially when you can beat Houston, a division opponent, a good, quality football team, it's special. It means a lot. Any win is a good win in my book.

(on how much Offensive Coordinator Matt LeFleur and Head Coach Mike Vrabel made sure he was going to be comfortable today)

This isn't my first rodeo, I've been in the league eight years. I've been in a lot of different situations. I'm always ready to go. Whether you're a starter or a backup, 13-guy, you've got to have the same routine, week-in and week-out. Otherwise, you have nothing to fall back on when your number is called. I just stuck to my routine, prepared the same way as I always have, and just stuck with that.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER HAROLD LANDRY III

(on being able to contribute to the Titans' defense)

I just want to be the guy that when I step out there, all the coaches in the organization, all my teammates count on me, to not just do my job, but to help out and make plays. I thought there were more plays out there to be made by me, but you know I'll watch the film and get better every single week. I'm just glad I could do my part and be a help for the boys. I mean, everyone chipped in and had to do their part with the injuries and stuff. I mean, what does this say about this team? That we are a team. I feel like the chemistry here and the comradery here is just so off the top. I'm just happy that they drafted me here, and I get to be a part of it.

(on his thoughts as the Texans last drive transpired)

Hopefully, everyone is stuck on their man and that nobody gets open. Thank God we were able to come out with the win.

(on the Titans' victory )

Like I said, it wasn't a bad day defensively, but at the same time, I felt I could have done more to help the team. We came out with the 'W', and that's all that matters. Now it's time to celebrate tonight and get back on the field and prepare for the Jags. 

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER BRIAN ORAKPO

(on getting the first win of 2018)

The defense was holding it down throughout the game. Then, the offense was finishing it off at the end. I mean it was a great one, two, three punch this time. I'm definitely excited for this team overall. We finally came out on the right end and we're trying to get back to the winning ways. We still have a long way to go and a long road ahead of us, but I'm excited because it was a big divisional win and Coach (Mike) Vrabel's first win. Very exciting. Every phase of the game today made a difference.

(on the last drive for the Texans' when quarterback Deshaun Watson was scrambling to complete a desperation pass)

Time was ticking. Obviously, they were limited on time. I mean that whole play was designed to keep him in bounds and not scramble, keep him corralled in the pocket and to take time off the clock. That whole play was designed perfectly, to where if they do convert, they are very limited on what they could do with time expiring, or whatever the case may be. So, for the defense, it was great play calling. Defense did a tremendous job once the play was called and stepped on through. The clock hit zeroes and we won the ballgame.

GUARD/TACKLE KEVIN PAMPHILE

(on what the win today means for the Titans)

I mean, obviously, going against a rival team, going one up on them in the division is a great feeling. I will celebrate tonight, but back to the drawing board tomorrow morning. At this point, disappointments have happened with all the injuries, but it gives opportunities to other guys who have to step up. It was good for this team to get the win.

TIGHT END JONNU SMITH

(on quarterback Blaine Gabbert's performance against the Texans)

He's a tough dude. Like I said earlier in the week, I don't care who is back there. I have confidence in both guys and you can see why.

(on all the offensive suprises shown during the game)

We're going to do a little bit of everything and we have the personnel to do it. We came out, we executed and we did what we said we were going to do and we got the win.

(on the importance of today's win)

It was very important. Right now, we are just going to enjoy this win.

(on head coach Mike Vrabel's first win as an NFL head coach)

We've got a lot more coming, for sure. 

(on what this win says about the character of the team while missing key players due to injury)

We knew we were going to get this win and it was going to feel so much better due to all the adversity we faced throughout the week having different guys down. Being able to grind out a win like that makes it feel much better.

SAFETY KEVIN BYARD

(on the last time he threw a pass in a game)

I think my last throw in high school was a touchdown so I think (Mike) Vrabel must have seen my high school tape and he drew it up for me.

(on how the coaching staff approached him about the special teams touchdown play)

It was something we had been working on all training camp and in practice and it was just a certain look that we were getting. We got the look last week but we didn't want to run it so this week we knew we could run it. I'm surprised they (the Texans) gave us the look. Like I said, the coaches trusted me to make the throw and to actually call it and it worked out. It was a great swing in the game.

(on why the coaching staff put that play together and how they decided who would throw the ball)

(The coaching staff) trusts me. And that's just the trust between the special teams coaches, myself, and Coach (Mike) Vrabel and I'm glad they called it because it was definitely a big play in the game.

(on throwing the special teams touchdown to defensive back Dane Cruikshank)

He's an NFL player. He scored his first touchdown. He got a touchdown before me but I'm just happy for the young guy to make a play.

(on whether he was nervous of potentially missing the open receiver on the special teams touchdown)

I honestly had no pressure, I was relaxed. I just threw it up there and made the play. I was just happy I got the look.

(on the defensive performance as a whole today)

It was an impressive day by our entire team today. We were talking about all week ignoring the noise. There was so much talk about injuries and stuff like that but as Titans, what we do is stick together. I think that's what we did today. We came together and played as a total football team, offense, defense, and special teams.

DEFENSIVE BACK DANE CRUIKSHANK

(on the Texans giving the Titans the right look to run the play that led to the special teams touchdown)

We got the right look this time. We've been practicing it all week and we executed it in the game today. It worked out perfectly

(on finishing the play on the special teams touchdown after making the catch)

Hey, I can run, now.

(on how the coaching staff approached him about being the receiver for the special teams touchdown play)

I just knew I had to make the best out of the situation. They called the play in the huddle and they said if they get this look then we are going to run it. We got the look and executed. I'm grateful that (Kevin Byard) KB threw a great pass and I did the rest.

(on the last time he caught a pass in a game)

The last time I caught a pass was in my JUCO days at Citrus College a couple years ago. I played offense then. 

(on what the coaching staff said to him when they designed the special teams play that resulted in a touchdown)

I'm a gunner, I'm an athlete. We've been playing football for so long. You just got to concentrate on the ball and catch it. There wasn't too much pressure on me. I didn't put that much pressure on myself. I just went out there and played ball like I've been doing for the last couple years.

WIDE RECEIVER TAYWAN TAYLOR

(on pulling out all the stops to post the win)

We knew it was going to take a little bit of everything. Coach said it wasn't going to be pretty, but we've got to get it done. We've got to find a way, whatever it is, we've got to execute to make it work. So, that is what everybody has been priding themselves on this week. We know we had some guys down, some of our top guys, our top playmakers. We said we've got to step up, no matter what was called, we just had our mind on executing.

(on having a normal flow to the game this week after last week's game)

It was definitely different. The game flowed like normal, it was fun, like normal today. Last week, like you said, it was stop and start, hesitate. Guys could not keep a rhythm last week, but this week we stayed locked in all four quarters. We looked at it like a must win, today was a must-win game. Everybody came in, good energy, good enthusiasm. We were ready to go.

(on if he feels like future opponents will have a lot to think about with the different offensive looks)

Yes, for sure, the defense has always got to be on their toes, because we can do a lot of different things. Coach (Matt) LaFleur is creative with what he wants to do with us. He utilizes all of us in different ways. Like I said, everybody tries to do a good job of knowing what to do for one and like I said, going down and executing and playing fast. When we do, good things happen.

(on if he feels today's game is building block for the season)

Absolutely, to get a win on our resume, it is definitely great. It is definitely great to get a good team win and give us some good energy, some positive energy going into next week. So, we just got to keep the momentum going into next week. We've just got to keep the momentum going, go in on Monday, Tuesday and look to build on what we fixed, correct our mistakes, and build on what we did good. So, we know it is the next game and so we are moving on to next week. It's a great win, so we are looking forward to next week.

CENTER BEN JONES*_(on importance of today's win)_*

Winning games at home, you've got to do that to win the division, and divisional games, you've got to win those games at home. We did whatever it took today. It might not have been the prettiest game, but we knew what we had to do. We ran the ball, we were physical. The defense played lights out and made plays on special teams to win the game.

(on several young guys stepping into playing time today)

We are going back to watch film, but guys competed and that is what makes us. Offense, defense, everybody, we compete every day, no matter who is beside you, who is rotating in. That is what makes this team great. We got guys who step up and make plays and you have to give all the credit to our coaches getting us ready and putting in extra time. It comes down to guys stepping up in this game and trying to get the W.

(on what he was thinking on last play of the game)

I was saying, keep running, just don't fall, don't throw it out of bounds. When he caught it, I started celebrating. Everybody was looking at me. They haven't got any time. I was pumped. He is a heck of a player and I am glad we put that on our good list. It is a big win for us.

(on gaining the win with the newcomers on the offensive line)

We played hard, gameplanned and stuck to it. Sometimes when things don't get pretty, you kind of stray away from it, but we grind. I think we ran it about 39 times. When we do that and don't turn the ball over on offense, it is hard to get beat.

RUNNING BACK DION LEWIS

(on coming back from a tough first week defeat)

It was a huge win, just to bounce back after our loss last week. It shows the character of our team. I think it is definitely going to be a good building step. We still have to learn. We could still have played a lot better today. We have to take the coaching and move on to next week.

TEXANS HEAD COACH BILL O'BRIEN

(on why the team has started slow for the second straight week)

Can't put my finger on it. Hopefully I'll be able to figure it out soon, but that's just not good enough.

(on Texans defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney's taunting penalty from the bench)

I didn't get a full explanation on that. I'll tell you tomorrow when I get a full explanation on it. I'm not sure. I didn't get a full explanation on it.  

(on what happened on the final play)

We're just trying to get it in field goal range, and just trying to – we've got to do a better job of coaching that play up.

(on the pass protection today)

No, we tried to slam the edges and tried to do a lot of things. But there was – it was tough. It was tough, no doubt about it.

(on if he felt the Texans were ready to play today)

Yeah, I felt like they were ready. Yeah, I felt like they were ready. Just didn't end up being that way, I guess.

(on the Titans' fake punt that went for a touchdown)

Yeah, we had a plan there and we just didn't execute it. It's on us, on the coaching.  

_(on if he got an explanation on the double pass by Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert)  _

No, not really.

(on what he tells his players after an 0-2 start to the season)

You've got to keep fighting. It's a long season, keep fighting. What are you going to do? You have two choices. One is not very good, so you've got to fight your way up.

(on the Titans having offensive tackles out due to injury and if he thought they would get more opportunity to rush the passer because of the different protection)

It's pro football. They did a good job, did a real good job. It's the next guy up in all these situations. I think everybody fought hard, we just didn't finish the game.

(on the penalties in the first half)

Oh yeah, it killed us. You probably have it down, like first-and-27, second-and-30, third-and-30, thereabouts. Tough play calls there.

(on the penalties incurred by Texans on special teams)

Yeah, not good. We got some holdings and things like that, so not very good.

(on the taunting penalty by defensive end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney)

Yeah, it's terrible. I don't really know exactly what happened, might be able to maybe rehash it for you guys tomorrow.

(on how much the team has to stick together to overcome the loss)

Yeah, I mean, that's the whole deal. It's a long season. We've got to figure it out. We're not playing very well, especially offensively, so we have to figure it out.

(on the team's run game through Week 2)

It's been all right.

(on wide receiver Will Fuller V's return)

He did a good job. It's good to have him back. Did a nice job.

TEXANS QB DESHAUN WATSON

(on the last play of the game)

They played good coverage. Time ran out. That was pretty much it.

(on if he should have thrown the ball away on the last play of the game)

I mean, of course. But while you're playing, you can sit back and sit in your seats and say that I need to throw the ball away, but I tried to take a shot. We didn't have any timeouts and they guarded the sideline very well, so my instincts took over and I tried to get the ball, and time ran out.

(on managing the Titans pass rush and taking several hits in today's game)

It comes with the game. You just kind of move on from it, try to learn from it. Try to get better from situations and see what we can do up front and keep trying to get better.

(on his performance in today's contest)

It was straight. We lost, so that's pretty much it. That's all I can really say about that.

(on dropping to 0-2 and losing to a Titans team that was playing without its starting quarterback)

I mean, we want to win every game. So, I guess it's hard to win in this league. We've just got to keep pushing forward. It's a long year. We just got to try to turn things around next week.

(on developing a rapport with wide receiver Will Fuller V)

You know, we just try to be on the same page. Play fast, play at full speed. Make sure we're doing the plays that we worked on all week, and what (Coach O'Brien) is calling, and just try to be on the same page and find an opening. I just try to connect and that's what we've been doing, but we have to improve. That's it.

(on keeping the team together after starting 0-2)

Just move on. You can't dwell on it. You get some wins, you take some losses, but you grow from it. It's part of the game. If you dwell on these last two losses, then your season is going to go in the tank. You just got to continue to move on. Yeah, the record says 0-2, but this upcoming week we are 0-0 trying to be 1-0.

(on whether or not he thinks the Texans should be better than 0-2)

We're fine. I mean, if you're one of the guys or one of the people, one of the fans hitting the panic button, then that's on you. Don't hop on the train later on in the season. No point in panicking. I'm not going to panic, especially from what I came from – my childhood. So, you know, it comes with it. I've took losses before. Take it under the chin and try to get better from it.(on the Texans penalties)

We just got to focus. That's the main thing. Just focus on that play and focus on what you have to do, and we'll be just fine.

(on whether or not he had enough time to throw versus the Titans)

I guess so. I mean, I felt fine. I don't worry about the pressure. I just try to get the ball to the open guy and if I get hit, I get hit. If not, it's enough time to get the ball off for sure.

TEXANS WIDE RECEIVER DeANDRE HOPKINS

(on the team's ability to overcome an 0-2 start to the season)

We have a lot of great leaders in here. I don't think that is going to get us down.

(on if he thought they were going to win the game once they took the lead in the fourth quarter)

I always thought we were going to win the game. Even during that last minute I felt like we still could have won the game.

(on what the Titans defensive plan was for the Texans receivers)

(The Titans) were keeping a safety eyeing me in the corner. They're a good defense and we made mistakes.

(on how surprised he is that the Texans have started 0-2)

It's football. I don't know the last team that went undefeated. That's football. 

(on how frustrated he is to be in this situation early in the year)

Not very frustrated because we have a lot of football to play. We have to correct the mistakes we made and move forward.

TEXANS TIGHT END RYAN GRIFFIN

(on losing a close game at the end after coming back to take the lead)

It's a divisional game, and this where you stack up wins so you have a chance to go to the playoffs later this season. This is a big one, but they are all big ones. We're going to have to come out at home against the Giants and do work.

(on the penalties on offense)

Yeah, myself included. I had the holding penalty. We have to do better. We have to execute better. It starts on Wednesday. We get the film corrected tomorrow, and come out Wednesday and prepare for the Giants.

(on the mood of the team following the loss)

Frustrated for sure, because we know we are better than this.

TEXANS CORNERBACK JOHNATHAN JOSEPH

(on the slow start today and falling behind 14-0 early)

We definitely can't do that. It is hard to play from behind in this league, especially when you put yourself behind the eight ball. Us as a defense, we can't make some of the mistakes that we made. We missed some tackles here and there. It was an OK performance, but we have to be more dominant if we want to come away in a tough battle game like this and get the win.

 (on the team having to be better in order to achieve their goals)

Absolutely. Right now probably the flood gates are open, everybody has an opinion right now. We just have to take it one game at a time. You get one win and all of a sudden everything starts to head in the other direction. For us, we just have to focus on us as a team and not the outside noise, and just take it one game at a time, and move on to New York after the corrections.

_
(on the big plays made in today's contest)_

That sums most games up. The team that makes the most big plays, and doesn't turn the ball over is normally the team that comes away with the game. I think that in this game right here there were (big plays) early, and some after halftime offensively and defensively. For us, we just have to limit as many big plays as we can to continue to give ourselves a chance.

 (on losing to the Titans despite Tennessee missing key players offensively)

They just did a good job of the things that they did. They kind of ran the ball, and tried to control the game and things like that, and let their defense play it out for them. I think overall we did a good job of getting some third down stops. We didn't get the turnovers like we wanted to, at least give our offense the ball back in certain situations.

TEXANS WIDE RECEIVER WILL FULLER V

(on the offense getting going despite the slow start)

We waited way too long to get started, but once we got going we started getting the tempo going up, and we started playing better.

(on his performance in today's game)

It always feels good to get back out there with the guys. I feel like I haven't played a football game in a long time. It just felt good to get back out here. Unfortunately we didn't win, but we are going to work on it at practice so we can win next week.