Houston Claims First Win of the Season Against Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN — C.J. Stroud threw for 261 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score as the Houston Texans earned their first victory of the season Sunday, defeating the Tennessee Titans 26-3.

The Texans improved to 1-4, snapping their season-opening four-game losing streak behind a dominant defensive performance that included four sacks and two forced turnovers.

Houston ended an opening winless streak with a victory over Tennessee for the second consecutive season.

Will Anderson Jr. led the Texans' defense with three sacks, accounting for three of Houston's four on the afternoon. Ryans took over defensive play-calling duties for the game.

Ka'imi Fairbairn connected on four field goals as Houston built a 12-3 halftime lead.

The Texans controlled the second and third quarters, outgaining Tennessee 225-49 and outscoring the Titans 16-0 during that stretch.

Houston held Tennessee to a season-low 187 yards of total offense.

The Titans fell to 0-5, extending their losing streak against AFC South opponents to 11 games. Tennessee has also lost six consecutive games dating to last season.

It marks the franchise's worst start since losing its first six games in 2009.

Tennessee took its only lead on the opening possession when Joey Slye connected on a 30-yard field goal.

The Texans responded defensively, forcing a three-and-out before safety Jalen Pitre recovered a fumble by Tennessee running back Tyjae Spears on the Titans' next possession.

Linebacker Jake Hansen intercepted quarterback Cam Ward on Tennessee's following drive, giving Houston another scoring opportunity.

The Texans capitalized on both turnovers but settled for field goals of 35 and 26 yards from Fairbairn.

Houston continued moving the ball against Tennessee's defense, although two unsuccessful trips inside the Titans' 20-yard line prevented the Texans from building a larger first-half advantage. 

The Texans took control in the third quarter with a 17-play touchdown drive that consumed 8 minutes, 23 seconds. Facing third-and-11, Stroud escaped pressure from All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 23-yard completion along the sideline.

Stroud capped the possession with a 2-yard touchdown run, extending Houston's lead to 19-3. The Texans added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Stroud connected with Jaylin Noel on a 9-yard scoring pass. 

Ward finished with 170 passing yards for Tennessee, which struggled to establish offensive momentum against Houston's defense.

Despite the victory, Houston committed 11 penalties for 95 yards. Tennessee finished with seven penalties for 83 yards, with its first infraction coming late in the third quarter.

Next up, Houston will travel to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, while Tennessee visits the Indianapolis Colts.