Texans Roll Titans 34-17 For Eighth Straight Win

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans defeated division rival Tennessee Titans 34-17 in what could shake out to be the team’s biggest game of the 2018 regular season, because to the players and the fans this was much more than just a game.

This game was a tribute to team owner and founder Bob McNair, who died the day after Thanksgiving after battling cancer twice since 2013.

This one's for Mr. McNair.#BeatTheTitans pic.twitter.com/kmRjjZ0PEU
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 27, 2018

It was also a game that looked like the Texans might lose early on, when the Titans took an early 10-0 lead in the first few minutes of the first quarter.

The Texans made it a game, however, when quarterback Deshaun Watson hit wideout Demaryius Thomas on a 12-yard strike for the first Texans score.

The Titans roared back and looked to be adding to their 10-7 lead in the second quarter when they handed off to tight end Luke Stocker on a fourth and goal at the 3-yard line for what looked like an easy touchdown.

The Texans defense answered by stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage and took over on downs.

On the very next play, Watson handed off to running back Lamar Miller who scampered 97 yards for the go-ahead score, sucking the momentum away from the Titans.

The Texans never looked back and would hold the lead the rest of the way to their eighth straight win, cementing a fitting tribute to their late owner.

"That is Houston #Texans football right there, and that was for Bob McNair."

Inside the locker room after the win. pic.twitter.com/9u7AiYxbzV
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 27, 2018

Aside from winning a big one for McNair, the game itself had a lot of firsts.

The Texans became the first team in NFL history to win eight straight games after starting the season at 0-3, while Miller had the longest rushing touchdown in team history.

The Texans now hold a two-game lead in the division over the Indianapolis Colt, who will at NRG stadium in two weeks.

The Titans, who are all but eliminated from playoff contention, are in third place in the AFC South with a 5-6 record.

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image: Whitney Mercilus #59 of the Houston Texans kneels before the initials of the late Houston Texans owner Robert C. McNair who passed away Nov. 23 before a football game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 26, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com