Texans snap Titans' streak to seize AFC South lead


Reuters | Updated: 16-12-2019 03:32 IST | Created: 16-12-2019 02:47 IST
Texans snap Titans' streak to seize AFC South lead
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Carlos Hyde had 26 carries for 104 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and the Houston Texans held on for a 24-21 win over the host Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon. Deshaun Watson completed 19 of 27 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Houston (9-5), which took sole possession of the first place in the AFC South. Kenny Stills had both of the Texans' touchdown catches.

Ryan Tannehill passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another for Tennessee (8-6), whose four-game winning streak came to an end. Tannehill completed 22 of 36 passes for 279 yards with one interception. The score was tied at 14-14 when Hyde put Houston back on top with a 10-yard rushing touchdown with 10:34 left in the fourth quarter. The veteran running back cut to the outside and outraced three Titans defenders toward the left pylon for his fifth rushing score of the season, making it 21-14.

The Texans made it 24-14 on a 29-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn with 3:31 remaining. Tennessee pulled within 24-21 when Dion Lewis hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tannehill with 2:04 to go, but the Titans' onside kick was recovered by Houston moments later.

Houston built a 14-0 lead at halftime. A big play by the Texans' defense set up the first score of the game. Tannehill fired a pass to tight end Anthony Firkser on a slant route near the goal line, but Texans safety Justin Reid delivered a hard hit to pop the ball loose and defensive end Whitney Mercilus snagged it for his second career interception -- both of which have come this season.

Mercilus returned the interception 86 yards to the Titans' 12-yard line. Two plays later, Watson lofted a perfect pass to Stills in the back of the end zone with 9:59 remaining in the second quarter. The Texans made it 14-0 when Watson connected with Stills again for the wideout's fourth TD of the season. The score came with 3:14 left in the first half.

Tennessee cut the deficit to 14-7 with 5:34 remaining in the third quarter when Tannehill scored on a 1-yard run. The Titans pulled even at 14-14 when Tannehill hit A.J. Brown for a 5-yard score with 13:35 left in the fourth quarter.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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