Behind Enemy Lines: An inside look at Tennessee with Titans Wire

The Houston Texans are looking to finally secure a win.

Who would have thought that would be the case after the last two seasons?

The Texans will battle the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season out at NRG Stadium. Both teams would love a win just to end an 0-3 start and avoid the bottom of the cellar of the AFC South.

The Texans are coming off another heartbreaking loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where a 46-yard pickup from Brian Thomas Jr. set up a game-winning touchdown run by Travis Etienne with just over two minutes remaining. C.J. Stroud drove downfield to try and respond, but an interception, thanks to a tipped pass by Travon Walker, cost Houston a win.

Houston still knows it must be prepared for a battle against the No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, but a sluggish offensive showcase to begin the year in Nashville should favor Houston at home. Betting odds have the Texans as a touchdown favorite.

"Frankly, we've given up a couple quarterback scrambles the last couple weeks in some critical moments. So, in terms of rushing as a unit and trying to keep him in the pocket and not let him get to those things, They're going to design some plays to get him on the move," Texans defensive coordiantor Matt Burke said Thursday. "But, even when it's a drop back game and he gets out, he's really good on the move and outside the pocket. So, whether it’s those design boots and keepers or just him making plays and getting out, we got to try to make sure we try to contain him when he does that. But, really live arm and a really good athlete at the position.”

To get a better gauge on the Titans, Texans Wire reached out to Serana Burks, writer for Titans Wire, to provide insight on what to expect Sunday afternoon between these two AFC South Division foes.

Texans Wire: Despite an 0-3 start, what are some positives for the Titans entering Sunday’s game

Serena Burks:"I think the most frustrating thing about the Titans right now is that they have so much potential and we can all see it. The majority of their problems can be laid directly at the feet of head coach Brian Callahan, which is why they switched up the play calling this week. Cam Ward has impressed in his rookie season, and we've seen flashes from other rookies like Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.

"Good things are happening on the field, but the self-inflicted wounds (the Titans are literally the most undisciplined team in the league) are crushing their progress. Bo Hardegree did fine as a play-caller for the Las Vegas Raiders a few years back, so the hope is that the offense starts to click with him in Ward's ear."

TW: Why did Brian Callahan give up the play-calling and does a loss on Sunday mark the end of his time in Nashville? 

Burks: "Callahan is doing a poor job in a lot of ways right now. I think giving up play calling is an effort to take something off of his plate so he can focus on other things. We'll see how impactful it is on Sunday, but it takes time for any change to make a big difference. If the Titans lose on Sunday, I don't automatically think Callahan is out, largely becaue he turned over play calling duties. Amy Adams-Strunk isn't known to fire coaches midseason, but I think if there's no improvement by Week 6, we're having a different discussion."

TW: Cam Ward hasn’t been elite, but it does seem like he’s improving as a passer. Where have you noticed his overall game improve over the first three games? 

Burks: "Cam Ward has an excellent football mind. The little mistakes we've seen out of him are all rookie errors, which is positive because that means he can grow and overcome them. He is a fantastic leader, and he is improving as a passer, although that doesn't matter when Calvin Ridley drops most of the passes that come his way. His decision-making has improved, resulting in fewer sacks taken, and he's willing to find targets that aren't named Calvin Ridley. His rookie receivers and tight end Chig Okonkwo have been his most relible pass-catchers. He's also gotten more comfortable using his feet, he didn't scramble at all in his rookie debut, but if you watch him now, he's learning how to escape through the holes in the Titans' offensive line."

TW: 4Defensively, the Titans are the only team in the NFL without a sack by an edge rusher. So if the outside is struggling, who should Texans fans be wary of in the matchup? 

Burks:"Jeffery Simmons. Period. He is the Texans' biggest problem on Sunday. The Texans' offensive line isn't in any better shape than the Titans, and with the lack of an edge presence, he has become the main pass rusher with T'Vondre Sweat on injured reserve. Simmons has trimmed down, toned up, and he is hungry."

TW: Who is one player through three games that isn’t getting enough respect with how well they’ve produced for Tennessee?

Burks: "There are a few players who could fit this bill right now, but I'm going to go with tight end Chig Okonkwo. With Ridley's inability to catch a ball right now, Okonkwo has emerged as a reliable target for Cam Ward. He leads the Titans in receiving with 12 receptions on 16 targets for 120 yards. He has five first downs and 86 yards after the catch. He's inconsistent at times, but when he's on, he's on, and right now, he's a quiet light on this team."

TW: Prediction and final score?

Burks: "It's going to be close, but the Texans win at home."

Texans 24, Titans 20

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: An inside look at Tennessee with Titans Wire