Houston Texans

Tennessee Titans: 3 Key Matchups vs Houston Texans

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

We dissect three key matchups that the Tennessee Titans must win in order to bump their record to 2-2 and tie for the top spot in the AFC South.

Believe it or not, the Tennessee Titans had a decent shot at being 3-0 to start off the regular season. Losing two close games and winning another one with a last-minute touchdown, the team has shown the ability to at least compete with higher level teams—something Tennessee hasn’t shown the last few seasons.

Tennessee now goes and pays a visit to the Houston Texans with the chance to potentially get a share of the poll-position in the AFC South. The team will be without elite defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who was placed on injured reserve after reinjuring his back. Houston could also be without star linebacker Brian Cushing, as well.

This game is important for the Titans. Not only can the team be atop the division (for the first time in a long time), but they also have the chance to end the current four-game losing streak the franchise has playing in NRG Stadium. If the team is to make the playoffs, they must handle business in these pivotal divisional matchups.

These three matchups will be crucial if the team is to add another tally in the win column.

Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ben Jones (C) vs. Benardrick McKinney (ILB)

The offensive line has shown massive improvement compared to the last few seasons. Marcus Mariota has been able to stay upright most of the time. Moreover, the run game has looked as good as it did when Chris Johnson was in town. A huge contributor to that has been free agent addition Ben Jones at center.

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Jones has made his mark for being an aggressive, yet intelligent player. He’s been the prototypical player you want manning the pivot of your offensive line, something the team hasn’t had since Kevin Mawae.

The center must be able to read and identify blitzes while being able to communicate it to both sides of the line. Having a solid player in that spot can vastly improve the play of the big men up front as the positional group is just as much about gelling as a unit as it is individual talent.

This week, Jones has the task of going head to head with Bendardrick McKinney, the Houston Texans starting inside linebacker (according to HoustonTexans.com). McKinney has had a solid outing in 2016 thus far, accumulating 29 total tackles and two sacks. He’s been making plays for the Texans defense this year. Knowing where McKinney is at all times will be key if this offense is to move the ball against this elite defense.

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) attempts to catch the ball over Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tajae Sharpe (WR) vs. Jonathan Joseph (CB)

Being the No. 1 wide receiver on a team means you must be able to get open on a consistent basis and make plays with the ball in your hands. Rookie pass catcher Tajae Sharpe has shown somewhat of an ability to do just that, even after a below average Week 3 outing that head coach Mike Mularkey saw as a “step back.”

Sharpe has been able to snag 14 balls for 157 yards through three games. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but in Tennessee’s run-heavy offense, the fifth-round selection has shown a solid connection with Marcus Mariota. Mariota has shown as much trust in his rookie target as much as any other weapon on the team including Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker.

The offense must get more going through the air if they are to put up any kind of points. Sharpe must find a way to get open against Houston’s top corner Jonathan Joseph, a seasoned veteran who is still playing at a pretty high level.

Receivers struggled to get open against a porous Oakland Raiders defense and that must change. If Sharpe can get consistent separation from Joseph, the offense has a solid chance this Sunday—as long as Mariota can protect the ball.

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) attempts to catch a pass in front of Tennessee Titans cornerback Perrish Cox (20) during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Perrish Cox (CB) vs. DeAndre Hopkins/Will Fuller (WR)

If you’ve watched the Tennessee Titans’ defense at all this year, you would notice how much opposing offenses attempt to take advantage of No. 2 cornerback Perrish Cox—and for good reason. It seems as if the whole defense plays well except for the veteran corner.

Repeatedly getting torched by opposing talented receivers this year such as Amari Cooper and Marvin Jones, Cox isn’t getting any favors going against the explosive duo of DeAndre Hopkins and rookie Will Fuller.

Hopkins and Fuller have been lighting it up for the Houston Texans thus far. Hopkins has caught 16 balls for 223 yards and two trips to the end zone while his rookie counterpart has 12 catches for 242 yards and one score. The two have been producing at an extremely high rate and that will likely stay true unless Cox finds a way to elevate his play.

Cox must improve on the five catches allowed for 85 yards he allowed against the Raiders (per Pro Football Focus). If not, it could be another long Sunday for Titans’ fans.

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