Week 13 AFC South Recap: J.J. Watt for MVP?
By Luke Sims
Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates with tight end Ryan Griffin (84) after catching a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans
Everything broke the Texans’ way right from the start. The Titans punted on every drive to open the game except the first (interception) and the last (end of the half). The Texans, in contrast, put together scoring drive after scoring drive, amassing 24 points by the time halftime rolled around. Ryan Fitzpatrick found three different receivers for touchdowns and this was just before halftime. Things seemed to get going for the Titans in the second half, however, picking up 14 unanswered points on a 36 yard touchdown pass from Zach Mettenberger and a 62 yard fumble recovery. Unfortunately for the Titans, the Texans responded with three touchdowns in four drives. Fitzpatrick found three more different receivers, including defensive end J.J. Watt, for scores. With Mettenberger out due to injury, the Titans were treated to some Jake Locker time, seeing the former hope of the franchise throw a touchdown to make the score (slightly) more respectable with just 1:06 left to play.
The big story here is Fitzpatrick’s excellent play. He finished the day 358 yards and six touchdowns while completing almost 73% of his passes. His 147.6 quarterback rating is pretty close to perfect. The Titans, meanwhile, were given a first-hand display of why they have moved on from Locker at quarterback. Locker threw two picks in addition to his late score, gained 91 yards through the air, and managed to complete just 50% if his passes. Mettenberger managed 184 yards, a score, and a pick while completing 68% of his passes against the same defense. J.J. Watt is rightly getting a lot of attention for another offensive score this season. He also put in a tremendous effort on defense, notching two sacks, a tackle for a loss, and six QB hits. The Texans were in control throughout here, proving to be a cut above the Titans.