The Titans’ Offensive Line Faces Its Biggest Test Against Houston’s Pass Rush

The winless Tennessee Titans return home this weekend to face the just-as-winless Houston Texans in a divisional clash as they try to climb out of the cellar. One key matchup to look out for is the Titans offensive line against the Texans' defensive front. Houston has racked up 14 sacks so far this year , good for third-best in the NFL.

The Titans offensive line, much-maligned going into the season, has actually only allowed six total sacks through four games, tied for 5th fewest in the league. A closer look shows that they allow 10.3 pressures per game , 8th most in the league.

If the Titans are going to get their first win, the banged-up offensive line will need to give quarterback Cam Ward time to throw against a talented defensive line. How do the Titans match up against the Texans' defensive front?

The Titans' Offensive Line Faces Its Biggest Test Against Houston's Pass Rush

Two-time Pro Bowler Will Anderson is off to another strong start for the Texans in 2026. He's registered 4.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits in his first four games. His ability to generate pressure even when double-teamed makes him dangerous on just about any passing play. One good piece of news for Titans fans is that the team managed to keep Anderson under relative control in 2025 , allowing him to only get one sack and two QB hits in the two matchups.

Another reason for Tennessee to have some hope of stopping Anderson has been the play of left tackle JC Latham so far this year. Through four games, he has allowed zero sacks or QB hits, and four total pressures . Latham's strong start has been one of the bright spots for a Titans offensive line that entered the season with plenty of questions.

However, Tennessee may still need to provide Latham with additional help on passing downs. Chips from tight ends or running backs could slow Anderson's rush, although keeping extra blockers in protection would leave Ward with fewer options downfield. The Titans must find the right balance between protecting their quarterback and allowing their passing game to operate.

Ultimately, the goal is not necessarily to eliminate Anderson from the game. Tennessee needs to prevent him from consistently disrupting Ward's timing and forcing him into difficult situations. Against a pass rusher of Anderson's caliber, even a handful of critical pressures could determine whether the Titans' offense finds a rhythm.

Houston's Interior Rush Could Be Just as Important

The Texans' pass rush presents more than a challenge on the edges. Tennessee must also account for pressure up the middle, where its interior offensive linemen will be responsible for keeping Ward's pocket from collapsing.

Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai has generated nine QB pressures to start the year, though he's still looking for his first sack. Next to him is veteran Sheldon Rankins , who has notched two sacks along with 14 QB pressures. Dealing with these two beasts on the interior of the offensive line will be the responsibility of center Austin Schlottmann and guards Peter Skoronski and Atonio Mafi.

Skoronski and Schlottmann have yet to allow a sack this year, and it'll take another Herculean effort to keep it that way. Mafi has only allowed one sack, but it's been a limited sample as he's filled in for promising rookie Fernando Carmona Jr., who is sidelined with a severe ankle sprain.

With Rankins and Togiai capable of generating pressure from the interior, communication between the guards and center will be critical. If Houston can push the pocket backward, Ward could be forced off his spot even when the Titans' tackles successfully contain Anderson and the other edge rushers.

The Titans' improved offensive line will face its toughest test this weekend in Nashville. All of the matchups and schemes have to come together to keep the heat off Ward. As Ward has slowly improved game over game this year, the offensive line play has been a big factor in that. Falling victim to the heat of Anderson and friends would not only be troublesome for the Titans in trying to get their first win, but it could also put a halt to the confidence-building of Ward.

Bonus Pick(!): Off the schneid last week with the backdoor cover, bringing the season record to 1-3. The Texans are giving 7.5 points on the road here, even after their rough 0-4 start. None of the Titans' games this year have been pretty so far, but they've managed to hang around ever since the opener. Titans +7.5 is the play.