Titans top Texans 20-17 off big boot by Bironas

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Titans and Texans took part in what quite possibly could be called one of the best grudge matches of the year so far in the 11 weeks of the 2009 NFL season.

Vince Young's Houston homecoming on Monday Night Football developed into yet another last minute thriller as the two AFC South foes clashed until the final seconds of the contest.

After a late 53-yard field goal by Rob Bironas gave Tennessee the lead with less than a minute to go in the game, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub propelled Houston within field goal range, relying on the leg of 11-year veteran Kris Brown.

As Brown's kick rocketed off his foot and sailed left just causally missing the uprights, Vince Young and the rest of the Titans let out a lions roar from the sidelines. Tennessee had just defeated AFC South rival Houston 20-17 in their own house, live on national television to capture their fourth consecutive win of the season.

The Titans committed to their style of football on Monday as they rushed the ball 42 times for 228 yards, recording an 5.4 average per play. Chris Johnson, who going into the game was already leading the NFL in rushing added 151 yards to his total bringing him to 1,242 on the year, a clear 200 above second ranked Steven Jackson. Vince Young carried the ball 11 times for 73 yards while long lost LenDale White added the lone score on the ground.

Young completed 12 of 22 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown without committing any interceptions or allowing any sacks. Although turning the ball over once with a rushing fumble, Young finished the game strong, including converting a crucial third down completion with his legs to ultimately set up the winning kick for Bironas. Over these four recent weeks, along with the obvious plus of winning, Young has accounted for 774 total combined yards and four touchdowns, achieving an 85.6 quarterback rating.

Chris Johnson has been beyond "every coaches dream" this season but over the last four games he has been every other coaches nightmare. Johnson has rushed for 646 yards and six touchdowns during the teams recent four game span while adding 136 yards receiving on 14 catches. CJ has now rushed for over 100 yards in five consecutive games dating back to the 59-0 deconstruction by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Titans rookie wide receiver Kenny Britt, who leads the team in both receptions and yards with 26 for 393, recorded his first official NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football. In the second quarter of the game, Britt hauled in a 13- yard strike from Titans quarterback Vince Young to tie the score at seven.

Going into the fourth quarter tied at 17, the Tennessee offense took control of the clock and managed the ball effectively, converting when necessary while limiting penalties and mistakes. For the third week in a row Tennessee has won the contest while entering the fourth quarter tied, which is now an NFL record.

The Titans rushing defense squashed the Texans allowing just 57 yards on the ground and no scores, to turn their focus on Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson in the passing game. Schaub passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his total to 2,958 on the year, which is good for third in the NFL. Johnson has totaled 878 receiving yards on the season which also is enough to rank him third in the NFL. Although Johnson found the end zone once, he was limited to just 74 yards on four catches.

The Titans defense has been active during these four wins recording a total of seven interceptions and 14 sacks. Titans backup Rod Hood, who was signed as a free agent in the wake of Tennessee's injury woes, is tied along with Pro Bowl cornerback Courtland Finnegan for the team lead with three picks on the year.

Monday Night Offensive Leaders

Tennessee Titans (4-6)

Vince Young: 12/22, 116 YDS, 1 TD - 11 RUS, 73 YDS

Chris Johnson: 29 ATT, 151 YDS

Kenny Britt: 4 REC, 42 YDS, 1 TD

Rob Bironas: 2/3 FG, 2/2 XP, 8 PTS

Houston Texans (5-5)

Matt Schaub: 25/39, 305 YDS, 2 TD

Chris Brown: 11 ATT, 36 YDS

Andre Johnson: 4 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD

Kris Brown: 1/3 FG, 2/2 XP, 5 PTS

Week 12: Arizona Cardinals vs Tennessee Titans

Next up for the Tennessee Titans will be the NFC Champion and Super Bowl runner up, Arizona Cardinals on Sunday after Thanksgiving. Tennessee will have their hands full with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Arizona boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the National Football League. The game will be held in Nashville at L.P. Field while kickoff is scheduled for 3:15 CST.

The game will be broadcasted live on FOX HD (WZTV/FOX17) and 103.3 FM (KDF).