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Defensive Domination: Texans KO Titans 20-0

Glover Quin really helped his cause today. Three interceptions for GQ!
Glover Quin really helped his cause today. Three interceptions for GQ!

It has been a while since we have had a positive post-game report, eh? It doesn't get more positive for Houston Texans fans than a 20-0 beatdown of the Tennessee Titans, the second shutout in franchise history. I'll say that again: The Texans, with the historically bad defense, just shutout the Titans.

Where to start? How about the defense? By far, Sunday's game was their best effort this season and, maybe, in franchise history. The Titans only had eight (8) first downs, 162 total yards, and were forced to four three-and-outs. Titans running back Chris Johnson was held to a career-low five (5!) rushing yards, primarily due to Brian Cushing meeting him in the backfield four or five times and Amobi Okoye getting great penetration.

Glover Quin, the much-maligned cornerback victim the past two weeks, redeemed himself with the first three interceptions of his career - the second and third coming in the red zone to keep the Titans off the board to preserve the Houston shutout. For those wondering, the three interceptions are a franchise record. Additionally, Quin broke up two other passes and limited Randy Moss to three catches for 23 yards.

Offensively, the Texans dinked-and-dunked all day, but they could afford to do that with 190 yards of rushing from Arian Foster and Derrick Ward. Foster, on top of his 143 rushing yards, also had nine catches for 75 yards.

Matt Schaub, though inconsistent today, threw two touchdowns to Joel Dreessen and Andre Johnson for the offense's only two touchdowns on the afternoon.

Speaking of Johnson, his nine receptions today put him over 60 on the season - making him the first wide receiver to have 60+ receptions in each of his first eight seasons. Yes, Andre Johnson did something that Jerry Rice didn't. Oh and Andre Johnson also put Cortland Finnegan in his place during a fight in the 4th quarter.

On a drive where Houston was running it down Tennessee's throat, Johnson and Finnegan were scrapping on the side. Finally, Finnegan pushed the wrong button, and 'Dre attacked. Johnson landed some clean shots, and both players were ejected from the game. As Chron.com's Jerome Solomon and Diehard Chris both speculated, the NFL doesn't typically suspend first-time offenders. Raiders DE Richard Seymour only received a fine for going after a pretty boy quarterback, so the normally mild-mannered Johnson, to their opinion, should only get a fine for going after a well-known cockroach. I also share that opinion, but the league, the only opinion that matters, won't decide until Monday or Tuesday.

It's a short week this week, but I encourage everyone to enjoy this especially sweet victory. There's more post-game fallout to come but sound off in the comments!