NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Houston Texans routed the Tennessee Titans 26-3 on Sunday in Nashville, handing Tennessee its fifth straight loss to open the season and giving Houston its first win.
C.J. Stroud threw for 261 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score for the Texans. He capped a 17-play, third-quarter drive that ate 8 minutes, 23 seconds with a 2-yard keeper for a 19-3 lead, then opened the fourth quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel.
Tennessee led only after its opening drive, which ended in a 30-yard Joey Slye field goal. From there, the Titans fumbled, threw an interception and were held to a season-low 187 total yards. Houston outgained Tennessee 225-49 across the second and third quarters.
Will Anderson Jr. had three of Houston four sacks, repeatedly dropping quarterback Cam Ward, who finished with 170 passing yards. Ka imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals, from 45, 35, 26 and 53 yards, as the Texans built a 12-3 halftime lead.
The loss extends a rough stretch for the franchise. The Titans have now lost 11 straight AFC South games and six straight dating to last season, the worst start since the team dropped its first six games in 2009. First-year coach Robert Saleh said one game will not define the team and that the work to improve will continue.
Injuries piled up in the secondary. Safety Kevin Winston Jr. will have an MRI on a tight quadriceps muscle, and cornerback Cor Dale Flott left with a chest injury and did not return.
Tennessee did not commit a penalty until 2:49 remained in the third quarter and finished with seven for 83 yards, while Houston drew 11 for 95.
