Excelsior

Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: google images Texans: Andre Johnson wants to prove that the Texans can compete in a tough division

Media Credit: google images Titans: Chris Johnson looks to continue his hot running streak to bring the Titans to their fourth running straight

This Monday night features an up and coming rivalry from the AFC South. The Tennessee Titans will be facing off against the Houston Texans in a division battle that has a lot of importance for both teams. The Tennessee Titans have been one of the most disappointing teams so far this season, coming out of the gate with an 0-6 start. After starting the previous season 10-0, this is an obvious step back for the team. In week seven, after pressure from ownership, Kerry Collins was benched in favor of Vince Young, and in a surprising turnaround, the Titans have won three straight.



Now Vince Young isn't the only reason for the 180, the defense has decided to finally show up and running back Chris Johnson has been going absolutely insane racking up huge amounts of yardage on the ground. He has scored at least two touchdowns in each of the past three weeks and run for at least 125 yards. Young has played like himself, scrambling for extra time and making positive plays out of nothing. It appears that the insertion of Young into the starting line up was the spark the Titan's needed to turn around their season.



However, Tennessee is coming up against a team who has a more legitimate shot at a wild card berth in the Houston Texans. Houston is coming off of a bye week after a disappointing loss to the division leading Colts in which they were a few plays away from beating the undefeated team. Matt Schaub has been playing like a Pro Bowler this season and the combination of him and Andre Johnson seems unstoppable at times.



In the past, the Titans have dominated this match-up but this season with Tennessee at 3-6 and Houston at 5-4, it seems like the winds are blowing in favor of Houston. In their last match-up, the Texans eked out a win 34-31 with Matt Schaub having a huge day throwing for 357 yards along with four touchdowns.



Expect a close one Monday night, due to the fact that Tennessee is very hot right now riding Chris Johnson's scoring streak. But with the extra rest and a competitive team, the Texans should pull off a win.

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