HOUSTON — Will Levis had an impressive performance, throwing for 278 yards and connecting with Chig Okonkwo on a key 70-yard touchdown pass that propelled the Tennessee Titans to a 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Okonkwo took a short pass and dodged a tackle attempt by safety Eric Murray, sprinting down the field for the game-changing touchdown that put the Titans (3-8) ahead 30-27 with just over nine minutes left in the game.
The Texans (7-5) tried to equalize with less than two minutes on the clock, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt went wide left. The missed kick was a blow for Fairbairn, who fell to the ground before getting back up and visibly frustrated, slamming his helmet onto the turf.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan was seen celebrating after Fairbairn’s miss, raising both hands triumphantly, as his team managed to secure a victory despite committing three turnovers.
Following the failed field goal, the Texans could not capitalize, and C.J. Stroud was sacked in the end zone by Harold Landry, adding a safety that increased Tennessee’s lead to 32-27, enabling them to snap a two-game losing streak.
Stroud put up 247 yards with two touchdown passes but also struggled with two interceptions, marking another setback for the AFC South-leading Texans, who have now lost three of their last four games.
Jimmie Ward made a notable impact for Houston, scoring a touchdown on a 65-yard interception return during the third quarter, while the Texans’ defense tied a franchise record with eight sacks throughout the contest. However, their offense lacked consistency, and running back Joe Mixon was limited to only 22 yards on 14 carries.
Tennessee took the lead at 23-17 with a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk early in the third quarter. Stroud’s second interception earlier in the quarter allowed the Texans to regain the lead with a touchdown pass from Stroud to rookie Cade Stover, making it 24-23.
A fumbled punt by the Titans at the start of the fourth quarter gave Houston the opportunity to recover, and Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with a long 54-yard field goal about ten minutes from the end.
The Texans began strong, with Dameon Pierce returning the opening kickoff 80 yards into Titans territory, leading to Stroud’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Cade Stover for his first career catch in the end zone.
After a field goal by Folk, the Titans closed the gap on a 38-yard touchdown catch by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine late in the first quarter. Tennessee then stretched the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard scored on a 10-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, finishing with 119 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Nico Collins caught a 5-yard pass for a score with around six minutes left in the second quarter. A fumble by Levis on the Houston 32-yard line allowed the Texans to recover; moments later, Stroud connected with Collins again on a 56-yard play, leading to a short field goal that tied the game at 17-17.
Tennessee managed to regain momentum with a 56-yard field goal from Folk toward the end of the half, setting the score at 20-17 as they headed into the locker room.
The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps issue, and safety Amani Hooker, who was sidelined due to illness. Hooker has been a key player for the Titans, leading the team with three interceptions. The Texans faced their own injury troubles as safety Jalen Pitre left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return, while cornerback Ka’dar Hollman exited with a knee injury during the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, the Titans are set to visit the Commanders next Sunday, while the Texans will travel to Jacksonville on Sunday for their next matchup.