TEXANS TAKE FIRST PLACE: Sunday's game was the first time the Titans and Texans have met to determine sole possession of first place in the AFC South Division, which launched in 2002. With the Texans winning to move to 4-3 and the Titans slipping back to 3-3, the Titans are in second place in the division, still ahead of Jacksonville (1-5 entering Monday night game on Oct. 24 vs. Baltimore) and Indianapolis (0-6 entering Sunday night game on Oct. 23 vs. New Orleans).
TITANS HAVE TWO MORE TO PLAY DURING HOMESTAND: The loss to the Texans was the first of three consecutive home games for the Titans. They head back to LP Field to play the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 30, followed by a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 6. It marks the 13th time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger the Titans/Oilers have had a three-game homestand. On the previous occasions they have played three consecutive games at LP Field (opened in 1999), the Titans have gone 3-0 once (1999), 2-1 three times (2000, 2007, 2009) and 1-2 once (2010).
TITANS AFTER THE BYE: In the "Titans era" (1999-present), the Titans now own an 8-5 record before their bye week and an 8-5 mark after it.
AVERY DRAWS BIG PENALTY: On the Titans' first drive, wide receiver Donnie Avery drew a 30-yard pass interference penalty by Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson on third down. Avery was appearing in his third game with the Titans since being signed as a free agent on Sept. 28.
HASSELBECK-TO-COOK TOUCHDOWN: In the third quarter, tight end Jared Cook notched his third career touchdown and his second of the season, collecting a scoring pass from Matt Hasselbeck on fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line. It was Hasselbeck's 186th career touchdown pass and his 10th of the season.
FOURTH-DOWN STOP: The Titans defense came up with a fourth-down stop late in the third quarter. With the Texans going for it on fourth-and-one, cornerback Jason McCourty tackled Arian Foster for no gain. It was the fourth time in 2011 the Titans stopped an opponent on fourth down.
LOCKER MAKES APPEARANCE: With 9:23 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Titans trailing 41-7, rookie quarterback Jake Locker made his second professional regular-season appearance. He completed his only pass attempt for 12 yards.
KERN'S AVERAGES UP: Punter Brett Kern punted seven times against the Texans for a 45.6-yard average and a 42.7-yard net average. Both numbers represented season highs through six games.
