Texans running back Arian Foster had a huge game, and new Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger did nothing special, as Houston got the AFC South win it needed today in Tennessee.
It was an outstanding effort for Foster, who carried 20 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns and also added a five-yard receiving touchdown. The Texans’ passing game didn’t do much -- Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to look mediocre at best -- but on the ground, Foster was dominant. That was enough to deliver the Texans a 30-16 win.
It wasn’t much of a game for Mettenberger, who looked about the way you’d expect a rookie to look in his first start: Mettenberger showed some flashes, but he generally didn’t look like he was in command of the offense. The Titans, who dropped to 2-6 with the loss, aren’t going anywhere and might as well see what Mettenberger can do. But there are going to be growing pains.
The win improves the Texans to 4-4 and allows them to head into the second half of the season thinking they have at least a shot at a playoff berth. Houston hasn’t been a great team by any means, but with a schedule that includes a home date with these Titans in late November and two December meetings with the Jaguars, the Texans have a chance to stay in the hunt -- especially if they keep giving the ball to Foster.
