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The first-place Houston Texans hope to move one step closer to a playoff berth with a win against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday.
The Texans (7-7) hold the top spot in the AFC South after last Sunday's 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Brandon Weeden relieved injured starter T.J. Yates to lead Houston to a comeback victory. With Yates lost for the season with a knee injury and Brian Hoyer uncertain because of a concussion suffered two weeks ago, Weeden may be called on once again. Houston can clinch the division with a win this week, coupled with a Colts' loss or tie.
The Titans (3-11), losers of five of their last six, are coming off a 33-16 to the New England Patriots last week. Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee in the defeat and will miss Sunday's game. Second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger will make his third start of the season and second against the Texans. Mettenberger was sacked seven times in Tennessee's 20-6 loss to Houston on Nov. 1.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Texans and the Titans.
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1. Take advantage of Mettenberger's mistakes
Mettenberger, who threw two interceptions last week against the Patriots, has shown tendency to force throws, leading to turnovers. If he continues to take chances rather than check down, the Texans need to capitalize, turning turnovers into points.
2. Feed the ball to Blue
Houston running back Alfred Blue posted his second 100-yard game of the season last week against the Colts, rushing for 107 yards on 20 carries. With the Texans' quarterback situation in flux, a productive running game is a must. Blue needs to be given another shot to see if he can duplicate last week's success
3. Pay attention to DGB
Tight end Delanie Walker is Tennessee's leading receiver, but Mettenberger has developed solid chemistry working with rookie receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, dating back to training camp. The 2015 second-round pick caught six passes for 113 yards last week against the Patriots. The Texans should be prepared for Mettenberger to look for DGB again this week. Paying extra attention to Green-Beckham with a safety would be a good idea.
1. Improve the pass protection
The Titans have given up 14 sacks over their last three games. Mettenberger was sacked seven times in his last start against the Texans. Something has to change or Alex Tanney, who was claimed off the Colts' practice squad this week, will be playing in his first regular season game before the afternoon is over. Whether it's keeping tight ends and backs in to block, using multiple blockers against Watt or whatever else interim head coach Mike Mularkey can think of, something needs to be done to keep Mettenberger upright.
2. Take what the defense gives you
After last week's loss to New England, Mularkey stressed that Mettenberger has to be smarter with his throws. That's especially true playing against a defense like Houston's. If Mettenberger is going to gamble, it's likely going to end up costing Tennessee points. He needs to be willing to check down after surveying the defense rather than going for the big play all the time.
3. Don't get burned by Hopkins
The Texans have one of the NFL's top receivers in newly minted Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins. It doesn't matter much who plays quarterback for the Texans. Hopkins will still get his catches. The Titans need to do their best contain Hopkins with double coverage and force one of Houston's other receivers make plays.
