The Houston Texans finally gave themselves something to build on in Week 5, and now the question is whether that performance was the start of a turnaround or just a one-week jolt. After four straight losses to open the season, Houston rolled past the Tennessee Titans 26-3 and looked like a team with some life again.
That matters because the next stop is no easy checkpoint. NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated sees a path to a bigger Houston rebound, but only if the Texans clear a major obstacle: beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Jacksonville comes in at 4-1 and already has the benefit of adjusting to the overseas environment, while Houston has the added toll of travel after its Tennessee trip.
The Texans’ start has been rough, but it hasn’t broken the group. Three of their first four losses came by five points or fewer, and the mood inside the locker room never seemed to crack.
“Everybody’s still staying up,” captain Will Anderson Jr. told Breer. “Everybody’s still coming to work with positive energy and just having joy.
And that’s what you’ve seen today. No matter the outcome, this team has persevered.”
Anderson backed up that belief against Tennessee, finishing with three sacks as Houston’s defense turned in its sharpest showing of the season. DeMeco Ryans also took back defensive play-calling duties, and the change paid off immediately.
Houston heads into Week 6 at 1-4, with CJ Stroud and Nico Collins still carrying the offensive hopes. The early losses showed problems in the closing moments, but the Titans game offered a different version of the Texans - one that answered back instead of fading. If they can take down a 4-1 Jaguars team in London, it would be a loud statement and a real step toward changing the direction of their season.
In Other News...
Titans Had An Even Rougher Day Than Texans Fans Realized
The Texans 26-3 win over Tennessee already stood out for how firmly Houston controlled the game, but one of the more unexpected side notes came from across the field. Cornerback CorDale Flott drew plenty of attention on social media for wearing a notably oversized helmet, turning an ordinary NFL broadcast moment into a running joke as the Titans tried to keep pace in a lopsided game.
Flotts afternoon got even worse after he suffered a chest injury and entered concussion protocol, ending his day and opening the door for Micah Robinson to step in. For Houston, the result was a needed first win to move to 1-4, while Tennessee left NRG Stadium still searching for its first victory at 0-5, with the on-field issues matched by an injury scare that only added to the rough day. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Win Came With A Strange Titans Moment Fans Couldn't Ignore
During Tennessees loss to the Texans, one unexpected sidelight had fans doing a double-take: cornerback CorDale Flotts helmet became a topic of jokes on social media. It was the kind of odd in-game detail that briefly cut through the usual division-rival noise, even as the Texans kept control of a game that mattered plenty in the AFC South race.
Flotts night also took a more serious turn when he suffered a chest injury and left the field, opening the door for teammate Micah Robinson to step in. For Tennessee, it was another rough chapter in a season that has opened with five straight losses, while Houston walked away with the win and an extra bit of postgame chatter it probably never expected. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Snap Counts Hint At Two Injury-Driven Changes Fans Need To Watch
The Texans Week 5 snap counts against the Titans offered a clearer look at how quickly injuries can reshape a game plan, especially on a roster that is still sorting out roles on the fly. David Montgomery was limited to just nine snaps because of a groin injury, which opened the door for Woody Marks to see more work, while rookie Kayden McDonald made his return from injury and logged 11 snaps as Houston eased him back into the defense.
Jalen Pitres shoulder injury added another wrinkle, with the veteran leaving the game and rookie Kamari Ramsey stepping in to help fill the void. Both Pitre and Montgomery are considered week-to-week, and that leaves the Texans watching a pair of important spots closely as they head into the next stretch, with the snap distribution from Sunday serving as an early clue to how the staff may have to adjust. [Read more 🡒]