Houston Texans Dominate Tennessee in 41-7 Win

The Houston Texans made a statement this Sunday afternoon going on the road to Tennessee with first place in the division on the line, and dominating the Titans from start to finish for a 41-7 win.

The Texans outgained the Titans 518-148 and had possession of the ball for 37:58 minutes.  The 34-point margin of victory was the largest in franchise history breaking the previous record of 29.

Matt Schaub was more than efficient going 18 of 23 for 296 yards and 2 TD’s, but the key to this game was a smothering defense and a dominating running game. The big fellas up front won the battle at the line of scrimmage all day long on both sides of the ball.

Oh yeah, and a guy named Arian Forster was spectacular, much to fantasy owners delight.

Foster became the first player in Texans history, and 32^nd in NFL history, to have at least 100 yards rushing and receiving.  He finished the afternoon with 25 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns to go along with five receptions for 119 yards and one TD.

And that’s without playing the final seven minutes of the game.

Ben Tate had his 3^rd career 100-plus yard game carrying the ball 104-yards on 15 carries, giving the Texans two 100 yards rushers for the first time in franchise history.

Tight ends Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen combined for 102 yards receiving and two touchdowns on just six receptions. Proving to be Schaubs favorite targets while perennial pro-bowler Andre Johnson sat out his 3^rd straight game.

Wade Philips 9^th-ranked defense was special pitching the shutout until 5:40 in the 3rd quarter when Matt Hasselbeck found TE Jared Cook for a five-yard TD.

Rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed accounted for the team’s two sacks on Hasselbeck. It was Reeds first NFL sack.

Danieal Manning picked off Hasselbeck early in the second quarter, but injured his leg on the play and did not return to the game. Brice McCain had the teams other interception taking Hasselbecks deflected pass 38-yards to the house for the Texans first INT return for a TD since 12/13/2009 when Bernard Pollard picked off then Seattle quarterback, you guessed it Matt Hasselbeck.

Titans back Chris Johnson was held to just 18 yards rushing on 10 carries for a dismal 1.8 yards per carry average.

Tennessee first round pick Jake Locker saw his first NFL action of the season as Hasselbeck left the game after appearing to hurt his thumb hitting the helmet of Texans DE Antonio Smith. Locker went 1-1 for 12 yards.

The (4-3) Texans have never been alone in first place in the division this far into a season. With the Jaguars and Browns, who are 1-5 and 3-3, next on the schedule Houston has a chance to create some distance and position themselves for their first division crown and playoff appearance.