Football weather is finally here, and the Houston Texans players are very aware of it as the Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Game time temperature will be in the low 20s, a considerable rise from the 10 degrees it was projected to be at kickoff.
The Texans defenders have no time to worry about the wind chill factor when going up against the Titans and running back Derrick Henry, who torched Houston for 219 yards rushing and two touchdowns the last time the two teams met in late October.
“I am well aware,” said Texans defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard when the media reminded him of Henry’s performance. “We all know what the main objective is. 22 (Henry) is back there, and ultimately, we all know what they want to do when he is back there.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Houston wants to be more effective and build on the games they have played the last two weeks against playoff teams in the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. The weather could factor in how the offensive plays will be called, especially with rookie running back Dameon Pierce on the sidelines for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
“The conditions are always something you have to think about, but in the back of your mind, you have a job that has to get done,” said Texans offensive lineman A.J. Cann. “You have to go out there and play ball no matter the conditions; you still have to go out there and do what they pay us to do. So, when it is cold, you are going to feel those hits a little more than normal.”
Things become more difficult in cold weather for position players like wide receiver Amari Rodgers, a returner on special teams.
“The ball is harder,” said Rodgers. “But once you catch it and feel it, and get used to feeling it, you get used to it. In warmups, you have to catch as many balls as you can so you can tuck it and get used to feeling it in the cold.”
Tennessee will be without the services of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and will call upon rookie Malik Willis who is making his third start. Houston will try and force him into passing the ball and limit him from escaping out of the pocket.
Even though the Texans’ record is 1-12-1 and the Titans are in a position to win the AFC South, all the records are out the window when the two rivals meet.
“This is still a big game despite the season. I don’t care what no one says; this is still Tennessee,” said Greenard.
