Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - Crossover Thursday: Mid-Week Roster News, Future of the Texans & Titans Playoff Chances

Episode Date: December 31, 2020

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You are Locked On Titans, your daily Tennessee Titans podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Welcome to the Locked On Titans podcast. I am your host, Tyler Rowland. Titans fans, this crossover Thursday edition of the Locked On Titans podcast is presented by Pepsi. Thanks to a lack of natural athleticism or commitment or overbearing sports parents. Fewer than 1% of 1% of 1% of people will ever play professional football.

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because Pepsi isn't made for those who play the game. It's made for those who watch it. Pepsi, made for football watching. Go to madeforfootballwatching.com to check out the latest football watching content from Pepsi. It is a crossover Thursday here on the Locked on Titans podcast. And that means we are going to have John and Cody from the Locked on Texans podcast on the show today to begin talking about this week 17 matchup. And for the Tennessee Titans, it is essentially a playoff game.

If they win, not only do they clinch a playoff berth, but they also secure a division title in the AFC South and that long awaited home playoff game. If the Titans lose, they're not automatically out of the playoffs, but they will need some unlikely assistance from some other AFC playoff hopefuls. So the Titans certainly would rather win that game than leave it up to chance. But on the flip side of that, for the Houston Texans, it's not a very important game. The Texans are already out of playoff consideration and have been for some time. So while a win would upset the cart for the Tennessee Titans, it also doesn't eliminate

them from the playoffs either. And then on the flipside of that, the Texans don't have their first overall pick. That goes to the Miami Dolphins for the Laramie Tunsil trade. So even a loss doesn't help them get an advantage in the NFL draft. So bleak days for the Houston Texans who have a GM search and a coaching search ahead. So like we did with Tony from the Locked On Jaguars in our second conversation of the season, we are going to talk to John and Cody more about the future of the Houston Texans. Some key free agents are going to be hitting the market for them. Who do they want to come back? Who do they want to stay? Who are they okay with letting go? And this is all being led by the

mysterious Jack Easterby. So going to ask them a little bit about that mysterious figure who's at the head of all of these coming decisions. So some awkward and strange times, uncertain times for the Houston Texans franchise. We will make sure to get John and Cody's take about what's going on and what they hope comes next. And then, of course, they are going to ask me some questions about the Tennessee Titans, and that will focus on what the Titans plan to do going forward throughout this season. So a really good conversation between me and John and Cody from Locked On Texans ahead. Before we get into that crossover Thursday conversation, though, we do need to talk about

some roster moves that have taken place midweek for the Tennessee Titans. Not only did we get our first injury report of the week, but we've gotten some activations, some possible activations to talk about as well. the week, but we've gotten some activations, some possible activations to talk about as well. So we are going to dive into all of the big midweek roster news with the Tennessee Titans and then get into a crossover Thursday conversation with John and Cody from the Locked On Texans podcast here on a crossover Thursday on Locked On Titans. Let's get it!

The first piece of roster news we got from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday was the first injury report of the week. And it included several Tennessee Titans who did not practice. So going through that list, linebacker Darren Bates with a hip injury, fullback Kari Blossom game with an ankle injury, wide receivers A.J. Brown and Corey Davis. A.J. Brown with an ankle, Corey Davis non-injury related. And then cornerback Adoree Jackson with a knee injury. Remember, Adoree did not practice on Wednesday last week as well. So that's a trend we're seeing here. Offensive tackle Dennis Kelly with a knee injury.

Outside linebacker Derek Roberson with a hamstring also did not practice. Remember, he missed last week's game with that injury. Defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons with a knee injury. Cornerback Ty Smith, his was not injury related as well though. So those are the Titans who did not participate. Remember though offensive tackle Dennis Kelly AJ Brown they've been getting these maintenance days and missing practice early on in the week throughout the entire season so we've come to expect that Corey Davis and Ty Smith those weren't injury related so that's not something we can be concerned about at this moment in time we aren't certain of

any kind of injury they sustained and it didn't appear that they sustained any injury during the game on Sunday night and then you look at the other names Derek Roberson I mentioned he missed last week so of course that's a concern Jeffrey Simmons has had here and there maintenance days throughout the season so didn't see him take any significant injury during the game, so I would expect him to be good to go, and this just to be a rest day and a maintenance day as mentioned before. Now, Darren Bates and Kari Blossom game, those are names to watch going forward. Those aren't names we typically see getting rest, so we will monitor their injury status throughout the week, but as I mentioned too, Adoree Jackson, of course, missed Wednesday last week.

So that seems to be the way that they want to handle him as he returns from that lengthy absence. But the other big pieces of roster news that we got included the status of two Titans wide receivers, one on the practice squad. We will start there. And that is wide receiver Cody Hollister, who was activated from the COVID reserve list. Now Cody Hollister of course as mentioned is a practice squad wide receiver so he'll be returning to the practice squad but having another body there and seeing Cody Hollister get healthy and

get off the list is a great thing and then finally what is maybe the most concerning piece of news but it should have been expected at least least in my mind, is that wide receiver Adam Humphreys is now eligible to return from injured reserve. Remember, he's had two lengthy absences from the team this year due to concussions. One suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. That was the initial concussion. And then later on in the season season he did return for one game that was the matchup against the Cleveland Browns of course he had that drop pass for an interception that may be the last play of his season but he clearly wasn't feeling right after that went back on IR with concussion like symptoms so whether he returns or not this year that is is up in the air, but I would not be surprised to not see Adam Humphreys back with the team.

Having multiple absences from concussions can be a very serious and very dangerous thing, and I'm certain that a team like the Tennessee Titans will move forward with the players' health at the forefront, and since Adam Humphreys does have a sizable contract with the Titans for at least two more seasons of course the Titans can cut Humphreys with some dead cap this offseason but if he stays with the team then he's going to be there for a big price tag and you want to make sure that you're not sacrificing his long-term health for this one matchup against the Houston Texans when the offense has proven it can survive at

least without him for the time being. So I wouldn't expect Adam Humphreys to return and Titans head coach Mike Vrabel actually said that it is possible at this time but that he hasn't been activated to the rosters. So we will monitor that going forward as well not only throughout this week but throughout the playoffs if the Titans are fortunate enough to win this game. Against the Texans and make it in. And speaking of the Houston Texans. It is time to get into our crossover Thursday conversation. With John and Cody from the Locked On Texans podcast.

Going to talk to them about the Titans future this season. And the Texans future going forward and the Texans' future going forward into the offseason and going into next season as well as a lot of uncertainty surrounding that franchise at this moment in time. Before we jump into that conversation though, I do want to remind you guys that I will have Monday through Friday content about the Tennessee Titans, not only in the playoffs, but also into the offseason as well, including tomorrow's episode, our Football Friday game preview. Yes, that is correct.

I am dropping a podcast on New Year's Day, just as I did on Thanksgiving Day, just as I did on Christmas Day. So make sure that you don't miss any of the Monday through Friday content that I will be posting yearly here on the Locked on Titans podcast. Subscribe on whatever platform you do stream. And one last thing before that crossover Thursday conversation, I've got to tell you about our friends over at betonline.ag. So I recently just got signed up as well. Super excited to make things a little more interesting in college football bowl season, also the NFL playoffs.

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Texans podcast I am Tyler Rowland from the Locked On Titans podcast. And haven't got to talk to you guys since that week six overtime game. Obviously, the season didn't necessarily go exactly how the Houston Texans wanted it to go. But there is some hope for the future here with some changes you guys might be making. But what the Texans can do in this week 17 game is potentially knock the Titans out of the playoffs. If the Titans lose and a couple other AFC playoff contenders win, then the Titans would be out. So my first question really is, do you guys, does the Houston Texans fan base, do you guys care about the potential of knocking the Titans out of the playoffs?

Does that matter? Hell no. The only thing we care about is making sure that Deshaun Watson do not get hurt. That's the only thing we care about. We've been praying all week that Romeo Canelo will come to his citizens and say, you know what? We don't have nothing to lose or win in this game. We already had not one, not two, but three scares with Deshaun Watson. How about I just sit out franchise quarterback?

but three scares with Deshaun Watson. How about I just sit out franchise quarterback? But for some reason, this man still feel the need to play Deshaun in a meaningless game. In fact, he was asked about that on yesterday during his media availability. They asked him, you know, how is Deshaun Watson doing? Is he available for Sunday? And his response to that question was, I feel like he's doing good. So I hope that he will do good on Sunday too. That's the only thing we care about. This is the final game of what has

been a very heartbreaking, frustrating, and very sad season. And we just want it to be over. So no, nobody here in Houston is hoping that the Texans actually play spoilers or whatnot. I just don't understand why would they want to go out and try to win this game? I mean, if you remember last year, we actually let you guys basically let you guys in the playoffs because we said all our starters. And I just don't understand why we just won't do it again this year. John, do you feel the same? Yeah. Yeah, I do, actually.

I don't think it matters. Why would Houston – why should Houston feel good about themselves? They spoil the Titans' chance to get in. I mean, what does that really do for Houston? Oh, we spoiled your guys to get in. Yeah, but you had an abysmal season. Nine times out of ten, that's not going to happen. We're not going to knock you guys out of the playoff contention.

Sunday's matchup, you're going to win. So with the fans looking around, I don't think anything that has anything to do with a couple of things for the fans. I mean, we hear them every day. A lot of fans just want notifications that Jack Easterby is fired. A lot of fans just want notifications that Jack used to be his fire. A lot of fans just want notifications that they are interviewing competent GMs and head coaches. That's what fans want at this point because we know that the future is now

for Houston. Letting you guys in or not, lack thereof, that doesn't matter to anybody out here in Houston, at least not from what I'm seeing. Yeah, yeah, that makes a lot of sense, and I have to commend you guys. It seems like there's an opportunity to be petty and say, you know, no, we want to knock you out, spoil it. But, well, you know, that's a really mature mindset.

You're worried about yourself, not worried about everybody else. I got to respect that down in Houston. I know that's not what I would be getting from Tony and the Jaguars fan base, but you said the key name here, and that's Jack Easterby. And that's who I wanted to ask about Nets for Titans fans who maybe aren't following. He's kind of been moving around, started, I believe, in New England as a team chaplain, as a religious figure in the organization, moved over to Houston, has gained the favor of the owner and gained his ear, and now he's going to be leading the search for a general manager and a head coach, or at least allegedly that's what you hear.

So from you guys, I guess who is Jack Easterby? And you already alluded to maybe your feelings about him. What do you guys think about his role in the organization? Jack is Lex Luthor. What was Lex Luthor. What was Lex Luthor? Lex Luthor was a very smart. He was Superman's villain, right? He was very smart.

He was very undermining. He had the opportunity to work his way through areas to piss off Superman. And you would think to yourself, this is a regular human. Why is he giving Superman this many problems? He's very good at what he does. He's very conniving. And so since Jack has got

to town, all of the rumors that have circulated and a lot of the moves that were made, and it just seems like Jack of all people is still here. He was brought in with Brian Gaines, brought in around that time. Why is he still here when a lot of the moves that have affected Houston negatively comes on his behalf, on his input?

We just don't know. But we know that he won't be GM. For me, I still feel bothered by the fact that he's helping with the search. I wouldn't want that because what if your input is on a guy that should not have the job, but that's like one of your buddies

or he just rubbed you the right way. That's who Jack used to be. He's a villain that he's one of those villains that can have a stand movie about how evil works like the Joker. That's the type of person he is for me when it comes to football. Joker Easterby, man. Joker Easterby. Cody, do you do you have similar feelings about Joker Easterby? Yeah, man. Nobody understands the role of Jack Easterby. John called him

Les Luther. I'm going to say, I'm going to take it back a little old school. You remember Lord Zed from the Power Rangers? Yeah. That's how I feel about Jack Easterby. He's a guy, to me, I believe he's plotting to try to take over as the owner for the Houston Texans. And just everything that he's trying to do always fail, just like Lois Ed and the Power Rangers. So, you know, John touched on this guy. Like we like we mentioned, you know, we are waiting to see who's going to be the next coach. We're waiting to see who's going to be the next general manager. But at the end of the day, you go back and read that article from SI. You go back and read that article from SI, you know, it was very eye opening to know that majority of all the mismanagement basically came from this guy. And just like John said, we just waiting to see the notification that Jack Easterby has been, I don't want to say fired because I know if they part ways with him because of this weird relationship they have, I'm pretty sure they don't want that out there. But just knowing that he that they decided to mutually come to an agreement to where they part ways or something like that.

I don't know. But this guy, the Texans organization will not move forward until they part ways with him. Yeah. And you know what? I know this may be a crazy idea, but like if he got into the NFL as a religious, you know, figure as a team chaplain, then maybe just go back to doing that. My guy, you know, rather than making a personnel decisions,

but that leads me into, I guess my final question for you both. And it's about the future of the team and with Jack Easterby getting fired, his status, who knows, but from your guys' perspective and speaking on behalf of people who cover the team very closely and also who know the fan base very well, what do you want the future of the team to look like?

Do you have any general manager candidates or head coaching candidates that you would prefer? And then some key players like Will Fuller and J.J. Watt, I know their future on the team is kind of up in the air going forward. How do you feel about some of the key players coming or going? And then do you have your eyes on anybody who you think can lead this in the right direction next season? Well, of course, I'm not too sure about general managers. I mean, there's been a couple of names that's been floating around the Texans organization. But of course, my number one concern with this organization moving forward is just make

sure you get the best head coach out there. You know, we talk about it here on Locked on Texans nearly every single day. John is really big on Eric Bien-Ami. I am big on Greg Roman if he's decide to leave the Baltimore Ravens organization as their offensive coordinator. And, you know, hopefully we can give him a shot. Dave, offensive coordinator, and hopefully we can give him a shot. Those are the two candidates that both of us are looking at. As for players that we would like to see come back to this organization, I mean, I'm pretty sure Tyler and all the listeners out there, you heard what J.J.

Watt had to say. That is not the first time Watt has been that angry in a press conference, especially following the game. He's basically been angry this whole entire season. And I do believe the relationship between him and the Houston Texans is starting to come to an end because this is a guy who has gave this franchise everything. Basically, this is a guy who has gave this city everything that he could, everything that he have, no matter if he was hurt or 100% healthy, leading the league in sacks like he used to. The best thing that this organization has done for him is just get them to the second round of the playoffs. And in my opinion, I feel this organization have failed J.J. Watt. So I want to see Watt move on just because I believe he deserves better,

especially in the twilight of his career. And with Will Fuller, there's a lot to say about him. I also want to see Will Fuller back, but only at the right price. He was on track for a career year before he got suspended for PEDs. And I truly believe that if he would have ended up playing all 16 games that the Texans were going to overpay him. But now, since you've got this PD situation and there are still a lot of questions on if he can stay healthy and if he can be the Texans number one target, I believe that he can come back only at a discount price. John, would you echo those sentiments or is there any other feelings that you might have about some of these players or coaching candidates? or is there any other feelings that you might have about some of these players or coaching candidates? No, actually, the only thing that I would change is, you know,

and we discussed this on our show yesterday, the day before, how big I am on Robert Sala out of 49ers from San Fran to be the Knicks head coach. Yeah. After I saw his defense. Let's say this, his defense has sustained a lot of injuries. They do not have the same makeup that they had from last year when they went to the Super Bowl. But they're still a top 10 defense. And I look at our team, right?

And I understand that we have young guys in different areas that still may need to learn the NFL on defense. The defense is number 31st in the league. We struggle a lot with stopping the run, stopping the pass, stopping the nosebleed, stopping anybody. On the other side, we still have an offense that's top five in the league. Sean Watson,

who does not have a running game, has led this team to top five in the league in offense. He's been number two or three or number one in every quarterback stat. So he's been top three in his QB stats, along with passing yards per game, right under Patrick Mahomes. What needs help more? Is it the offense? Is it the defense?

I think we can agree it's the defense. So I would rather have Salah moving forward with the GM position. I love Ed Dyes out of Indy. I don't think that he would be coming to Houston, at least not as of yet. They've interviewed a couple of people. But overall, Tyler, what I just want is consistency and competency. Yeah. Do things that make sense.

That's it. Don't trade. Don't make a trade like you did with deandre hopkins anymore because the worst thing about that trade is you trade deandre hopkins for a second round and david justin that second round pick turns out to be ross blacklock who's been unplayable for the most part of the season so it's a double win right right make things make sense to me that's all and I think the entire fan base would say the same. Yeah, I think just starting to go in a positive direction makes a lot of sense. But we'll obviously be able to discuss this a little bit more in the offseason.

We always have the Ultimate Division crossover where we get all of the AFC South hosts together and kind of talk about what's taking place in the offseason. So thanks for giving us your guys' thoughts on what you hope to see. And we'll check back in with you on those things later on in the off season, but we are going to move into the second part of our crossover Thursday conversation. I'm going to get in the hot seat here and Cody and John are going to ask me some questions about the Titans immediate future,

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that when you use that promo code LOCKEDON. So go to BuiltBar.com and use that promo code LOCKEDON right now for 20% off. Welcome back, Locked On Texans and Locked On Titans fans. This is the last crossover edition of the actual NFL season. Week 17 came quick. It came really quick. Luckily for us Houston fans, the pain and suffering will be over soon. But for Tennessee, Sunday's matchup, I mean, you guys have to win to get in. I started the season off 6-0.

Looked like to be a locked-in team for the playoffs, and I still think you guys will lock it in on Sunday after you whoop up on the Texans. I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have said that. But throughout the course of this season, the entire NFL seems like outside of the Chiefs, everybody's faced adversity. Everybody has faced downfalls. The Tennessee Titans have the number 23 defense in the NFL. defense in the NFL? Has it been what you guys wanted? Why has Tennessee not been as sharp as they could have from two seasons ago? I mean, I remember the offseason we discussed that,

getting back to where you guys were previously, but still not able to do so. Yeah, that's been the big question all year if you know that's the number one question I get from listeners is what's wrong with the defense and it's a combination as with everything in football it's a team game so uh Clowney well Vic Beasley being a no-show and us paying nine million that hurts Clowney getting hurt and out for the year that hurts so now the pass rush doesn't have enough talent uh the coaching hasn't been there. They run blitzes from places where they're too far away to get to the quarterback. They're off wide receivers,

further enough to where it's easy completions for first downs because of the alignment. So the coaching hasn't been very good. And then certain players who normally play a lot better haven't been able to execute. There's been a tackling problem on the defense, and there's been an issue in zone coverage with sticking to your man and kind of playing matchup zone. So they haven't executed properly. The game plans have been very poor, which I've chronicled weekly on the show.

And then also the general manager tried to put enough talent but hasn't put enough talent on it in previous years to where the swings that he had that were misses this year, they hurt the team so bad. It's a combination. They didn't put enough talent on this roster on defense. The coaching hasn't gotten enough guys better and haven't put these guys in a good enough position,

and the players themselves haven't executed. The Titans maybe the 23rd ranked defense but when you have 15 sacks on the year last in the nfl it's it makes it feel worse than 23rd tyler do you feel that there is some sort of level or disrespect towards derrick henry that he is not getting enough consideration for league MVP honors because this is a man who is rushing close to 2,000 yards and he is also a rush for over 200 twice this year one of those games of course came when they was playing against the Houston Texans right um yeah I mean I'm on the fence about that I I respect Derrick Henry's impact. But one thing about being most valuable player in my mind is you got to show up in the biggest games. And Derrick Henry has had some of his worst performances in big games against the Cleveland Browns, against the Pittsburgh Steelers,

and against the Green Bay Packers, arguably the Titans three biggest games of the season. Derrick Henry didn't have a good game and the offensive line didn't play well, but I don't think Derrick Henry ran particularly well in his responsibility, hitting the correct holes, things like that against the Packers as well. And in some of those other games, and then also the other loss for big loss for the Titans this year was an

upset to the Cincinnati Bengals and Derrick Henry went for over 100 yards. The Titans ran for over 200 yards in that game and they still lost by double digits so I I do think that Derrick Henry is super important but it's kind of like a Los Angeles Lakers situation where Anthony Davis and Derrick or Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both so important that they kind of split the vote I think Ryan Tannehill deserves enough credit to maybe be in that MVP conversation for who's the MVP of the Titans team. So because they're both so important to the offense and Derrick Henry had his worst games in the biggest moments, I think that kind of makes it, if he

would have went out and ran for 200 yards and beat the Packers on Sunday night, I think he would be in that conversation. But having a bad game in prime time against the best opponent they've had all year, it kind of just hurts the narrative for Derrick Henry. So that's why I think that's happening. But all that really matters is the playoffs. And if he can have a playoff run like he had last year, he'll ultimately get the respect that he deserves. I'll tell you what, Derrick Henry is about 203 yards away from 2,000.

Is it 3 or 33? 23. He's not that far from – well, I mean, it is 200 yards as far, but for Derrick Henry playing against Houston on Sunday isn't that far. But, you know, let's say you guys get in, right, locking your playoff spot, ready for a postseason action. Who's the best matchup for you? So, Derrick Henry is 233 yards away.

And I got to tell you, I certainly hope that he doesn't have to go for that record. I mean, I would like to see him hit 2K, but I would rather the Titans be up 31-10 at halftime and sit him in the second half to get him ready for the playoffs. That would be my preferred outcome over the 2,000 yards. I want a Super Bowl championship. The 2,000-yard thing was cool with Chris Johnson, but I would have rather won the Super Bowl.

So that's how I feel about that, but it's 233 yards, and if he's going to get it on anybody, he can get it on the Texans. We saw him rush earlier in the year for over 200. And then, you know, obviously last year to end the year, he was able to get the rushing title. He just finds a way to get it done. But as for the matchup that I would be looking for, you know, throwing out what the possibilities are, there are so many different who's going to get this seed, that seed. I would most like to play the Miami Dolphins out of the Indianapolis Colts,

the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Dolphins. Those are the four teams that are really fighting for the wildcard spot if the Titans win and secure the division. So if that happens, I would most prefer to play the Miami Dolphins. While they have a fantastic defense, it's forced a ton of turnovers.

I am not worried whatsoever about Tua Tunga-Vailoa. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a better player, so if he played in that game, I would be more concerned. But I just don't think they have enough talent on offense to take advantage of the Titans' defense enough to put more points on the board than the Titans' offense could put on their defense, despite their defense being good. So I think that's the best matchup for the Titans. If I could have any of the wildcard contenders right now, I'd take the

Dolphins. Last question before we move on into our predictions. Speaking of Super Bowl, do you feel that the Tennessee Titans actually have enough to not only get back to the AFC championship game but to possibly represent the AFC in the Super Bowl come February no it's it's a simple no I I that's what I've I've said throughout the season I mentioned the three games but I but I've come to call them the expectation reset. The Titans are 6-0, coming off an overtime victory over Houston, and just get absolutely bullied in the first half by the Steelers. And although they made it close at the end, the Titans got bullied, and it's obvious they weren't on the level. And the Steelers have gotten worse throughout the year,

but that was a big moment for the Titans to prove they're in that tier of teams with Kansas City and Pittsburgh and the AFC, and they didn't. And then the Browns come to town, and the Titans are at home, and the Browns are 9-3, the Titans are 9-3. Are they one of the top teams? And they just get absolutely punked in the first half at home. So expectation reset again. And then they get another chance, a hat and t-shirt game,

in Green Bay, in the snow, in prime time, to go against the number one team in the NFC and prove that they are a true Super Bowl contender in this league. And they get punked again. So at this point in time, the expectation of this team, in my mind, has dropped. They are not a Super Bowl contender. I hope they get the home playoff game that we've been searching for for a decade,

and hopefully they're able to win. But if the Titans go and play the Steelers, if they go and play the Bills, even though they beat the Bills a lot, teams are different. The NFL season is a long, long journey. The Bills are not the same team they were then. If we play the Bills, if we play the Chiefs, if we play the Steelers again, even if the Titans face the Ravens again, I think they're in big trouble. This defense is not a playoff caliber defense, and you can't win a Super Bowl with that. If the Titans did win a Super Bowl this year, it would be because all of a sudden the defense got super hot and forced like two or three turnovers a game.

But I just don't see that happening. So unfortunately, no, based on those three big games where the Titans had a chance to prove to me that they're a Super Bowl team, they failed, and not only did they fail, but they failed miserably in all three of them. So I cannot say at this time that the Titans have a realistic chance to win the Super Bowl. That's not what the Locked on Titans listeners want to hear. But at this point, based on the evidence the team has provided us, that's the only conclusion that I can come to.

Well, I'm pretty sure you guys will not fail inside the NRG Stadium come Sunday. This game, I don't have no expectations for it. This game is going to be far from the entertaining, which in my opinion was the best game of the season between the Titans and the Texans that took place a couple weeks ago. I think you guys are going to get 42 again, but we're not going to get nowhere near close to 36. Deshaun Watson, I'm hoping that he sits down, even if it's just for a half. Please do not let Deshaun Watson play. So this, you you know is going to be an easy game for you guys I have you guys winning uh maybe 42 17 I don't know you guys gonna win don't worry uh see and I understand that but this is one of those things where it's like

you've seen the movie so many times you know what to expect. But for me, it's the same way. Like I've seen this movie too many times. The Titans should be a team. They have a good chance to, you know, kind of cement themselves, hit a goal here, hat and T-shirt game, as I called it before. And they go up against the awesome quarterback who can shred their defense. I mean, the only reason that the Titans beat the Lions

is because they forced a couple turnovers. Now, one thing I will say is the last matchup between the Texans and the Titans, the Texans got a little lucky, in my opinion. The Titans had two turnovers. They missed two field goals. There was a blocked field goal that really changed the momentum of the game when the Titans were up double digits. So there were some weird things that took place, but that game was at home.

So maybe the weird things and the Titans being at home cancel each other out. And then it's just a, I think it's, I think it's a close game. The Titans defense as with the Texans can't stop a nosebleed. And because it's a division matchup and Deshaun Watson is one of the best four quarterbacks in the NFL. I can't rule out anything happening. So I'm going to say it's closer, but yes, the Titans win. I'm going to go with 38-33. Hey, I like that.

And first of all, before I give my predictions, thank you for saying that Deshaun Watson is top four in the league. He's an animal. Because for some reason, well, for some reason in those Twitter streets, it's been a real debate amongst the Twitter people. And I just don't understand it. People look at his record for whatever you may want to call it and say he's not a top four or five quarterback,

not a top three quarterback, because a team wouldn't allow – you wouldn't allow your team to get there. And, you know, I think sometimes it's just good to hear people who know a little bit about football talk football. Yeah, he's been carrying them this year. I think for me it's Pat Mahomes, it's Aaron Rodgers, it's Russell Wilson, it's Deshaun Watson. It's Josh Allen.

Those are the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. And I think that they're a step above everybody else. And anybody who says otherwise about Watson, they're just not watching the actual game and all that he does to manipulate defenses and keep plays alive and throw guys open. Like he's just the, he's the total package and he's got the worst supporting cast around him in terms of organization,

coaching staff, offensive line of any of those top four quarterbacks. So it's pretty, it's pretty good to compare him, to compare him to those guys and say that he's not that caliber because of the record. I just think that's asinine. Deshaun Watson is,

like I said, he's a top four quarterback in the NFL, and anybody who says different just isn't watching. That's all it is, and we're going to watch Sunday's game, right? And, you know, Tyler, you mentioned if it was 31-10 at halftime, then go ahead and sit your big guy. Go ahead and sit the guy that carries his team offensively a lot of times. And I don't think it'll be 31-10. I think there's a possibility – two possibilities of this game, either a blowout or a close game like the first time we played around. And so your 38-3 prediction is a little like what I have, and I have 34-27.

Yeah, I love that score too. That's what I was debating on. But I think there's always a little bit more scoring than I have been predicting this year, so that's why I kicked it up a notch. But I think that's a good target. Yeah, I think it's a one-score game. I think Houston has the opportunity to tie the game at the end. But as we've seen, fumbles, interceptions, just bad play management, something will happen.

But I do think the Tennessee Titans will win by a score, no more than seven points. But I'm going to go with 34-27. I'll tell you what, if you're right and the Titans get a turnover at the end of the game to seal it, it will be a Kevin Bayard interception. Ah, I like that. I just have a feeling. I can see that.

Yeah, he's the guy who kind of stamps the game sometimes for us. So I would like to see him pull that off. But it'll be close either way. I agree with you. I think if it gets away from the Texans early, they'll give up as a team, and then it may be like 42-17 like you're talking, Cody. But if the Texans get through the first half and it's close, like 21-17 or 17-14 or something, then it'll end up being close at the end.

And I'll say this, I want the 2K. I want to see Derrick Henry. I've been a huge fan of Derrick Henry since he came into the league. So I want Derrick Henry to get his 2K because after that, I mean, you can't deny him his contract. His back-to-back years of rushing titles have been amazing. And I'm sure he'll carry it along throughout the postseason. And I do not want him to get hurt.

I want to see him at his fourth strength to really give this Tennessee Titans team a chance in the playoffs. Yeah, that's what I think all of Locked On Titans listeners would be looking for too. But it's been a good conversation with you guys as always, Cody and John. And I look forward to catching back up with you guys in the offseason and seeing how these teams look after a few months. But talk to you guys again soon.

Once again, another great season here with Crossover Thursdays on the Locked On Podcast Network. That is going to do it for our Crossover Thursday conversation with Cody and John from the Locked On Texans podcast. And, whew, man, tough spot for the Texans, quite frankly, not having their pick, the cap situation, Jack Easterby. Whew. I mean, things, remember, things are not always awesome for the Titans.

Watching the defense, some of the big time losses we've had. But man, things could be a lot worse. Things could be a lot, lot worse. So I'm not a fan of complacency, but I'm also not a fan of taking things for granted. So thank you, John Robinson. Thank you, Mike Vrabel, Ryan Tannehill, Derek Henry. Appreciate you guys. But that's going to do it for today's show. A couple of things. Remember, remember, check out the Locked On Bets podcast. I've talked about betonline.ag. I know you're going to go take advantage of that 50% welcome bonus using promo code LOCKEDON.

And to get some advice to kind of get your feet, you know, started, get running, you know, you got to walk before you crawl a little bit, get a little advice in your corner. Check out the Locked On Bets podcast and make you feel a little bit more comfortable about which plays. And if you're not comfortable with, you know, betting and how the odds work, then that's a great place to start before you ever even, you ever even put any money up or do anything like that. So just check out the Locked on Bets podcast, put it in your podcast cycle for a moment, and also make sure that you check out the Locked on NFL Sunday preview show with Ross

Jackson and Cody Roark. I've actually been on there a few times, was on there last week previewing the game, maybe on there this weekend as well. So it's a good way to kind of get familiar with some of the good football minds from around the Locked On Podcast Network. Also support the network that your boy is a part of and also support me when I go on there. It's just a great way to get ready for your NFL Sunday outside of kind of the traditional

shows that, in my opinion, the quality has really dropped as of late. So I think the online content that the Locked On Podcast Network is providing with this Locked On NFL Sunday preview show is a lot better than your options on traditional cable. So just check that out as well. But that's going to do it for me today. I will be back with you guys tomorrow for a Football Friday game preview, getting us ready for a win and clinch the division

and a lose and could be out situation for the Titans. So a big, big game. Ready to break it all down with you guys tomorrow. Keys to victory, players to watch, fantasy gambling, every aspect you could hope for, game, score prediction, all of that. Make sure you check it out and you're locked into the Locked on Titans podcast. But that's going to do it for me today. As always, I am your host, Tyler Rowland, and this was Locked on Titans.