HOUSTON, Texas – Quarterback Marcus Mariota was nearly perfect on Monday night.
Unfortunately, the Titans were not.
And because of it, the Titans lost to the Texans 34-17 here at NRG Stadium. The Titans (5-6) are now three games behind the Texans (8-3) in the AFC South with five games left.
"When it comes down to it, we haven't played complementary football," Mariota said. "We haven't done a good enough job across the board.
Mariota started the game completing his first 19 passes, and he was 19-of-19 for 271 yards and two touchdowns at one point before throwing his first incompletion late in the game. Mariota finished the game 22-of-23 for 303 yards with a 147.7 passer rating.
But Mariota was also sacked six times, and the Titans sputtered on offense after a fast start. On defense, the Titans gave up too many big plays, both in the running game and passing game.
It all added up to another frustration night.
"We all have to evaluate ourselves and look in the mirror," Titans receiver Corey Davis said. "We have a long way to go, including myself, and we need to get back to the drawing board. We have to stay in it, and stay poised. That's really what it comes down to."
The Titans jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead over the Texans, but things changed quickly.
The Titans took a 3-0 lead on their first possession on a 31-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Succop. On their next series, Mariota connected with tight end Jonnu Smith for a 61-yard touchdown. On the play, Smith caught a short pass in the middle of the field, and then outraced everyone to the end zone to make it 10-0.
"We were rolling high, and that's a good feeling to have," Smith said. "We just didn't finish it out. You have to keep your foot on the pedal."
The Texans answered back with 27 straight points, starting with quarterback Deshaun Watson's 12-yard touchdown pass to receiver Demaryius Thomas, which made it 10-7. At the start of the second quarter, the Texans surged ahead 14-10 on a 15-yard touchdown run by Watson.
The Titans were on the verge of reclaiming the lead, inside the Houston five early in the second quarter. But tight end Luke Stocker, lined up in the backfield as a fullback, was stuffed for no gain on a 4th and 1 at the three-yard line.
"I saw a crease and I tried to hit it and the linebacker came over the top and I wasn't able to get the distance I needed to convert, and that's on me," Stocker said. "Looking back, it was definitely a point in the game when the game changed. … I wish I could get it back and had another chance to dive, reach the ball out, something. It's unfortunate."
On the next play, the Texans jumped out to a 21-10 lead on a 97-yard touchdown run by running back Lamar Miller, who finished the game with 162 yards on just 12 carries.
"Personally, I put that on myself," Titans safety Kevin Byard said of Miller's long run. "As long as I am safety here for the Titans, I feel like a play like that should never happen. We didn't stop the run."
The Texans made it 24-10 at the half on a 43-yard field goal by kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn. Another Fairbairn kick, this one from 47 yards, made it 27-10 with 8:53 left in the third quarter.
The Titans cut the lead to 27-17 on a 48-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to Davis. It was Mariota's 16th completion in a row to start the game.
The Titans couldn't get a stop when they needed it after that, and the Texans surged back ahead 34-17 on another Watson-to-Thomas touchdown pass with 8:15 left.
Mariota's streak of 19 completions broke a "Titans era" record, which he set against the Eagles when he completed 15 straight.
"I can do a better job, though," Mariota said after the game. "I didn't help our guys up front – I was holding the ball too long. I got us in negative situations, taking some of these sacks. I'll look back at the film and get better from it, and improve."
The Titans face the Jets on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
"We're 5 and 6, and we are coming back home," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "There's some good things out there, and there's things that have to improve. It starts with me, and the coaching staff, and we have to make sure our guys are ready to go play. We'll come back and we'll prepare and we'll try and go win a football game."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Houston Texans in Week 12 of the 2018 season on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at NRG Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs for a 61-yard touchdown after making a catch against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans strong safety Justin Reid (20) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throw against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands off to Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his field goal against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs for a 61-yard touchdown after making a catch against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) pulls in a 12-yard pass for a touchdown over Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) pulls in a 12-yard pass for a touchdown over Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) is stopped by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks away from Tennessee Titans defenders for a 97-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to throw against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) make a catch in front of -Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) is hit by Houston Texans free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) and linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans nose tackle Brandon Dunn (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores on a 48-yard catch against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, center, is stopped by Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs for a 97-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs for a 61-yard touchdown after making a catch against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) and outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) loses control of the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, center, is stopped by Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Carter (14) is hit by Tennessee Titans wide receiver Darius Jennings (15) andvlinebacker Sharif Finch (56) as he makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) on a run during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4)scramble past Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) is stopped by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores on a 48-yard catch against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) greet on the field after an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, runs off of the field after greeting Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, center, following an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) celebrates after he sacked Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) slides as he runs against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) celebrates after he sacked Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scramble past Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans nose tackle Brandon Dunn (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throw against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to throw against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Bennie Logan (96) andlinebacker Harold Landry (58) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, right, reaches out to Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, after an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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The Tennessee Titans get set to take on the Houston Texans in Week 12 of the 2018 season on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at NRG Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP, Talha Khawaja, Jorge Luna)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
NRG stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair are seen of the field at NRG Stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
NRG Stadium his seen before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A banner hangs at NRG Stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A fan watches as players prepare for an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
