Houston Texans Humiliate Tennessee Titans

In a dominant display by the Houston defense, the Texans (3-1) crushed the Tennessee Titans (1-3) 26-0 at NRG Stadium in Houston, marking Tennessee's first shutout of the season and their first allowed since 2022. Before 71,795 enthusiastic Texans fans who cheered on the "Dirty Birds," C.J. Stroud orchestrated an efficient offense, while DeMeco Ryans' defense completely stifled Will Levis and the Titans' attack, solidifying Houston as the hottest team in the AFC South.

Game Summary:

First Quarter: Houston took immediate control with a field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn (3-0). The defense forced a three-and-out on Tennessee, and Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 22-yard pass to set up Joe Mixon's 5-yard rushing touchdown (10-0).

Second Quarter: The Texans extended their lead with another Fairbairn field goal (13-0), and a 35-yard pick-six by Derek Stingley Jr. sealed the halftime score at 20-0. Tennessee didn't gain 50 total yards in the half.

Third Quarter: Mixon added another 12-yard rushing touchdown (26-0), extending Houston's streak of not allowing points for three consecutive quarters (including Week 3).

Fourth Quarter: Tennessee threatened with a drive to the Houston 20-yard line, but a sack by Will Anderson Jr. forced a punt, and the Texans controlled the clock with kneel-downs by Stroud to preserve the shutout.

Game Keys:

Houston Texans (3-1): C.J. Stroud completed 24 of 30 passes for 278 yards and a TD, with no interceptions, showing precision in a conservative scheme (only 12 deep passes). Joe Mixon shined with 112 rushing yards and two TDs, while the defense—featuring Stingley (1 INT, 1 pick-six) and Anderson (2 sacks)—limited Tennessee to 189 total yards and zero points. Nico Collins added 98 yards on seven receptions. "This is elite defense; we didn't give them an inch," Ryans emphasized post-game.

Tennessee Titans (1-3): Will Levis went 15-of-28 for 142 yards, with a costly INT and no TDs, under constant pressure (four sacks). The rushing game, with Tony Pollard at just 32 yards, collapsed, and receivers like Calvin Ridley (45 yards) couldn't generate big plays. Minor injuries to Jeffery Simmons (wrist) and a turnover on the red zone sealed their fate. HC Brian Callahan admitted: "We were outplayed in every aspect; we need urgent adjustments."

Key moment:

Derek Stingley's pick-six in the second quarter, his second of the season, not only extended the lead but also demoralized Tennessee and energized the stadium with a "roof-raising" roar.

Divisional context: Houston, after wins over the Jaguars and Colts, leads the AFC South with a +45 point differential in three games. They have a bye in Week 5, then face the Steelers. Tennessee, which opened with a win over the Bears, has lost three straight and must regroup without Derrick Henry (traded in the offseason); they travel to Buffalo in Week 5. Historically, the Texans lead 8-7 vs. the Titans since 2002, and this shutout is Houston's first since 2021 vs. the Chargers. Conclusion: A blowout that highlights the gap between Houston's rise—with Stroud and a top-5 defense—and the rebuilding Titans. The 26-0 score is not only a divisional statement but a wake-up call for Tennessee facing a brutal schedule.