Titans stun Texans as battered Will Levis hangs in to help Tennessee win
In a thrilling AFC South clash between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans, quarterbacks Will Levis and C.J. Stroud engaged in a fierce duel on Sunday. The Titans emerged victorious with a 32-27 win, improving their season record to 3-8.
The game was filled with exciting moments, including Levis’ 38-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the first quarter, giving the Titans a 10-7 lead. But the highlight of the game came when Levis connected with Chig Okonkwo for a 70-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Titans to a 30-27 lead. The game was sealed when Titans linebacker Harold Landry III recorded a safety on Stroud with just 1:13 left on the clock.
Despite facing adversity, Levis showcased his resilience by completing 18 of 24 passes for 278 yards. He was sacked eight times, turned the ball over with a fumble and an interception, but ultimately led his team to victory.
Running back Tony Pollard was instrumental in the Titans’ offensive success, rushing for 119 yards on 24 carries and scoring a 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Receiver Calvin Ridley also made a significant impact with five catches for 93 yards.
The Titans’ defense played a crucial role in the win, with linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and defensive back Jarvin Brownlee Jr. each intercepting Stroud.
On the other side, Stroud put up a valiant effort for the Texans, throwing two touchdown passes and completing 20 of 33 passes for 247 yards. However, the Texans’ offense struggled beyond those two scoring plays.
Texans cornerback Jimmie Ward returned a Levis interception for a 65-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving the Texans a temporary lead. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn added a 54-yard field goal to extend their advantage. But the Texans’ defense was unable to contain Okonkwo, whose touchdown proved to be the decisive play of the game.
Nico Collins and Cade Stover were standout performers for the Texans, with Collins recording five catches for 92 yards and Stover contributing three catches for 26 yards.
With the win, the Titans improved to 3-8 on the season, while the Texans fell to 7-5. It was a hard-fought battle between two talented quarterbacks, but in the end, it was Levis and the Titans who emerged victorious.
The game showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams, making it a memorable matchup in the AFC South. Fans can look forward to more exciting games as the season progresses.