ReFo: Texans @ Titans, Week 8

In an all AFC South clash the Houston Texans comprehensively beat the Tennessee Titans, breaking a three game losing streak to move back to .500. It wasn’t a complete display but they had more than enough for a Titans outfit that is in the middle of a rough and tough transition.

Looking for a spark they turned to rookie Zach Mettenberger, handing him a first start. But as expected he became a target for the rampant J.J. Watt, unable to turn his debut into the much converted W.

Houston Texans – Performances of Note

D.J. Swearinger, S: +3.8

Breakdown: The second year safety has made a name for himself as a hard hitting player but it was his work in coverage that gave him his best grade of his career. This owed to some playmaker that saw him grab a pick and break up another pass.

Signature Play: 2Q 2:01. Swearinger is able to undercut the out route by Delanie Walker and collect the turnover.

Brandon Brooks, G: -4.1

Breakdown: Not one of his better outings. Subpar with his run blocking and worse with his pass protection. Brooks gave up 4 quarterback hurries as he was unable to deal with the speed and power of Jurrell Casey.

Signature Stat: Brooks Pass Blocking Efficiency of 92.7 was the 6^th lowest of any guard this week.

Kareem Jackson, CB: +2.4

Breakdown: After a shaky 2013 Kareem Jackson looked back to his 2012 best against the Titans. Jackson was targeted six times for three catches and 20 yards with two pass defenses and a third nullified due to a holding call.

Signature Play: 2Q 7:36. As Justin Hunter works his way back to the ball Jackson is able to drive aggressively on the pass and knock it down as the ball reaches Hunter.

Tennessee Titans – Performances of Note

Jurrell Casey, DE: +4.4

Breakdown: Perhaps not the most natural of fits in the Titans new look defense, the talent of Casey still shines through even if it is in a more streaky fashion that his mammoth 2013. With his highest grade since Week 1 Casey ended the day with two hits and four hurries.

Signature Stat: Casey was second in our Pass Rushing Productivity stat for 3-4 defensive ends with a 13.2 score.

Chance Warmack, G: -3.2

Breakdown: The tenth overall pick in the 2013 draft has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations of a guard drafted that high. Warmack was always going to be in for a long day as he had to face the best player in the league in J.J. Watt. In Pass Protection he allowed one sack and two hurries, with his difficulties extending to the run game.

Signature Play: 4Q 2:12. J.J. Watt is able to swim pass Warmack making him look like he wasn’t there for a tackle for loss on the 2 point try near the end of the game.

Jason McCourty, CB: +2.7

Breakdown: As with most of the defense McCourty had a lackluster first half of the season, however, this week he was able to reminder us why he has graded in the top 20 for cornerbacks the each of the past four seasons. With McCourty lined up against Andre Johnson for most of the night he allowed only three catches on eight targets for 25 yards.

Signature Play: 3Q 8:21. On a quick slant route McCourty is able to drive on the pass and get his hand around Johnson’s and knock the ball away preventing a possible first down.

PFF Game Ball

With promising performances for both defenses it is only right that the PFF Game Ball goes to the best defender on the night and that was J.J Watt. Watt recorded two sacks, one hit, five hurries and a battered pass. His standard fare but beyond what most can even dream of.