Much of the focus for the Houston Texans in Week 15 has been starting quarterback. Rookie C.J. Stroud has slowly travailed through concussion protocol, and his doubtful designation on the injury report all but ensures Davis Mills will lead the offense against the Tennessee Titans.
The AFC South rivals may have a 5-8 record, seem more like a spoiler than a team in the playoff hunt, and are sporting Houston Oilers jerseys no less for the second time this season.
To help preview Week 15, Mike Moraitis from the Titans Wire stopped by to field some inquiries and set the stage for Houston vs. Tennessee Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Nissan Stadium.
Did management expect Will Levis to be this game ready in his rookie year?
MM — Some would say no because he started the season third on the depth chart, but that was really because of an injury he suffered during the preseason that kept him from getting important reps, both in practice and in exhibition games. I think the fact that he was drafted at the top of the second round indicates Titans brass knew there was at least a chance.
Is the organization growing tired of Mike Vrabel? They have stagnated in terms of postseason success.
MM — There is definitely a portion of the fan base that has grown tired of him, but I think the majority of the fans realize he’s still a very good coach and wouldn’t be easily replaceable. He’d also get another job in two seconds. I think the fact that the Titans fired their previous GM and still kept Vrabel says the organization definitely believes in him and wants him around.
Who are some unheralded Titans Houston fans should watch out for?
MM — He doesn’t get enough attention nationally, but rookie running back Tyjae Spears has been one of the most productive rookie backs in the NFL this year. He’d be even more productive if he wasn’t stuck behind Derrick Henry, and there is certainly an argument for Spears getting more touches over Henry. He’s an excellent runner, as well as a good pass-catcher, and has had a coming out party of sorts the last two weeks. On defense, Denico Autry has been around a long time but doesn’t get enough credit for how good he is. Autry almost always makes a big play on a weekly basis and is someone the Texans need to make sure they plan for.
Do Tennessee fans even care about the Houston Oilers throwbacks?
MM — They do care very much about the throwbacks, as there is great respect for Oilers history, even from those who didn’t follow the team from Houston and became fans when the franchise arrived in Nashville. I will say that the throwbacks mean just a bit more with all the frustration coming from Houston sports fans.
What is your prediction?
MM — I originally had to make a prediction for this game prior to the Titans’ win over the Dolphins. I had the Texans winning 20-19. However, after the incredible win over Miami, and with the Texans possibly being without three of their best players, I have to amend that and give the edge to Tennessee, a team that has played its best football at home. I think the Titans win no matter who plays, but obviously it’ll be much tougher if C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and Will Anderson suit up. I’ll roll with 24-23 Titans, and knock off a touchdown for the Texans if Stroud doesn’t suit up.
