The winless Tennessee Titans (0-4) are playing versus the winless Houston Texans (0-4) in Week 5. Many expected the Titans to struggle. The Texans' are however shockingly bad (and bringing Tennessee fans some joy).
Nonetheless, everyone expects the Texans to dominate this game. The Titans will need big-time performances from certain players to execute the upset. We've identified three Titans players who particularly need strong showings.
Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate enjoyed a breakout performance in Week 4 , registering nine receptions for 145 yards. Can the fourth overall pick keep momentum going? Tate will be up against a good Texans secondary that is currently underperforming. No. 1 Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is among the premier coverage defenders in the NFL. The Titans' passing game will definitely be under pressure.
The Titans' offensive line has shockingly exceeded expectations. Position coach Carmen Bricillo has done an outstanding job with this unit. The latest composite rankings has the Titans' protection ranking fifth-best in the league. Quarterback Cam Ward has only been sacked six times in four games. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. has been pretty good. He (and his teammates) will be tested by Danielle Hunter, Jadeveon Clowney, and Will Anderson Jr.
Texans No. 1 receiver Nico Collins returned from injury in Week 4 and put forth a dominant performance. He recorded seven receptions on eight targets for 118 yards and two touchdowns in a hard-fought loss to the Dallas Cowboys. C.J. Stroud looked Collins' way every time Nick Caley's offense needed a big play. The Titans' secondary has been nowhere near good enough in coverage this season. Robert Saleh's No. 1 cornerback is Alontae Taylor. The Titans don't follow WRs, but it'll likely be Taylor who often draws the Collins assignment.
