Devin Singletary and Elite Defense Help Texans Survive Titans
No C.J. Stroud, no problem for the Houston Texans... kinda.
Facing a must-win scenario in their huge AFC South matchup with the Tennessee Titans the Texans entered Sunday with a slew of injuries to their top players, including their star rookie quarterback in Stroud.
Fortunately for Houston, they were able to overcome those obstacles and take down the Titans 19-16, thanks in large part to an elite defensive performance, and the play of Devin Singletary.
Things looked shaky at the start for Houston, with the Titans taking an early 13-0 with an opening drive touchdown and a pick-six from Case Keenum.
From there, however, the Texans defense absolutely took over, holding the Titans to 204 yards of total offense - including just nine yards on 16 carries from Derrick Henry - and sacking Tennessee QB Will Levis seven times throughout the game.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
Offensively, it wasn't the prettiest day for Houston, but thanks to some timely throws from Keenum and key runs by Devin Singletary, the Texans were able to get themselves in position for a game-winning field goal try by Kai'mi Fairbairn.
That field goal - which was one of just four on the day for Fairbairn - split the uprights, giving Houston an absolutely critical win.
Keenum ended the day completing 23 of 36 passes for 229 yards, while Singletary had 26 carries for 121 yards.
Following the win, the Texans will now return home for two-straight games, starting with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon, where they will anticipate getting Stroud back into the lineup.
After that, they will get a rematch with this same Titans team at NRG Stadium in Houston, with the playoffs still on the line.
