Texans vs. Titans: 4 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Houston

It took awhile to develop, but the Texans eventually began to dominate this divisional clash. What does Houston need to do to ensure they regain they AFC South summit?

Here are four keys to victory:

1. Keep Feeding Foster in the Passing Game

Matt Schaub has had a rough go of it in recent weeks, having lost his favorite target. But wait a minute; far from being helpless in the passing game without Andre Johnson, the Texans' QB still has a little weapon named Arian Foster at his disposal. Schaub looked a bit timid in the early going, while Foster has done his best work in space.  

A couple more dump-offs and check downs should boost Schaub's confidence and open up the air game even more.  

2. Return to the Trademark Play-Action Pass

Since Andre Johnson went down, the Texans' best play has arguably been Schaub's nifty play-action rollout. The play worked wonders on their second scoring drive, helping Houston drive into enemy territory and setting up the eventual touchdown pass to Dreessen.  

Continuing to utilize this mild form of trickery is a no-brainer corollary to my first key; lure the Titans' normally disciplined D into the backfield with a heavy dose of the run, open up the passing game.  It's as simple as that.  

3. Find the Tight Ends

How about that Joel Dreessen fellow? The Texans' quality tight end play is a powerful weapon and a huge advantage for an offense with a lead. Foster and Tate do a more than adequate job of pounding away at the front seven.

If they find themselves in a position where they need to preserve a late lead, Daniels and Dreessen will become instrumental in establishing a balanced short game and continuing to move the chains. 

4. Bait Hasselbeck into Throwing the Deep Ball

Hasselbeck looks rusty coming off the bye week and that is a huge advantage for the Texans' defense. The Titans' QB has not been shy in taking shots downfield, and by and large that has set their offense back. A couple of big hits and an interception on those long throws have rendered the Titans' long game essentially ineffective.  

Houston should keep showing blitz and have a guy on Chris Johnson at all times to make sure Hasselbeck remains uncomfortable.