The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans have a storied rivalry of two teams that share a city. The Titans originated in Houston and have deep roots dating back to the Houston Oilers, while the Texans are the current occupants of the city. The Tians lead the series 24-22, but no matter what kind of season either team is having, it’s a tough game for both teams.
The Titans and Texans have met 10 times since 2020, and the series has been split evenly over that time. However, the Titans have lost four of their last five meetings. Their biggest Achilles heel? Pro Football Focus says it’s defensive end Derek Barnett.
Barnett didn’t turn into the star that many thought he would become when he was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but don’t tell the Tennessee Titans. Since he was claimed off waivers by the Texans in 2023, Barnett has faced Tennessee four times and has recorded at least an 84.6 PFF overall grade in all four games. His production includes 16 pressures, five sacks, a 23.4% pass-rush win rate and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Barnett joined the Texans for six games in 2023 after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles. But his production against the Titans exceeds any of the other Texans’ defenders. His impact is felt all along the line; two of his five sacks, both of his stuffs, and both of his fumble recoveries in 2024 came against the Titans.
Mike Borgonzi has spent this offseason attempting to bolster the offensive line and add weapons for rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and we’ll see if those efforts do anything to stop Barnett when the Titans see him this fall.
