NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Tuesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after the team's 34-17 loss to the Houston Texans.
This Sunday, the Titans face the Jets at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics:
4th and 1 Call
Faced with a 4th and 1 at the Houston 3-yard line against the Texans, the Titans opted to hand the ball off to tight end Luke Stocker, who was lined up as a fullback.
The play didn't work – Stocker was stuffed.
"They made a play, and we didn't," Vrabel said. "We'll have to do it better the next time, and that's how it goes. They pinched in. It didn't work for us last night."
Protection Probs
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was sacked six times on Monday night, and he's been sacked 35 times in 10 games this season.
Vrabel said the Titans need to do a better job in the run game and in play-action to help with protection. When asked about potential changes up front, he said the team is always considering options, and some of it will be based on health.
As for the overall play of the offensive line, Vrabel said the unit has been inconsistent.
"I think probably like a lot of the groups, inconsistent," Vrabel said. "There's times where we block 'em and there's a good pocket, or we run the ball. And there's times where maybe some guys aren't doing their job and don't execute. So it is inconsistent."
Run defense
Texans running back Lamar Miller ran for 162 yards on Monday, including a 97-yard touchdown run.
Vrabel blamed the team's poor run defense on a number of things.
"Any time that there's runs, it's usually a combination of the edge not being set, there's seams in there, and then missed tackles," Vrabel said. "There was a seam, and he ran away from us and we weren't able to get him on the ground. We'll have to do better this week."
Health
Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler entered the concussion protocol as a result of a stinger he suffered on Monday night. He'll be evaluated during the week.
Receiver Taywan Taylor has missed the past three games with a foot injury, but Vrabel sounded optimistic about his chances of returning.
Running back David Fluellen is more of a question mark as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Safety Dane Cruikshank will be out at least another week with a knee injury.
Mindset
As a result of Monday's loss, the Titans (5-6) are now three games behind the Texans (8-3) in the AFC South.
The Titans trail the Colts and Ravens, both 6-5, for the second Wild Card spot. Several other teams are also 5-6.
Vrabel was asked about his message to the team.
"You just have to get ready and try to find a way to win a game," Vrabel said. "Put our full focus on the Jets, coming back home. Try to be more consistent, with the way we practice, the way we prepare, and ultimately the way we perform."
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)
