Titans and Texans Players Exchange Words Ahead of Crucial Division Matchup
As the Houston Texans prepare to host the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, both teams are desperately seeking their first win of the season in what promises to be a pivotal AFC South divisional clash. However, the on-field competition has already begun with a war of words between Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, adding fuel to an already important matchup between struggling teams.
The verbal sparring began during Sneed’s media availability on Wednesday when a reporter asked him about the challenge of facing Collins in the upcoming game. Sneed’s response was dismissive at best, twice responding with “Who?” when Collins’ name was mentioned, before offering a telling smirk that suggested his question was more about disrespect than genuine confusion. This apparent slight didn’t go unnoticed by Collins, who later fired back with a succinct and confident retort: “He knows who I am.” Before addressing Sneed’s comments, Collins had expressed excitement about the divisional matchup, saying, “It’s going to be fun. Can’t wait for the matchup”—words that now carry additional weight given the brewing tension between the players.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, Titans cornerbacks coach and pass game coordinator Tony Oden stepped in the following day to downplay any suggestion of intentional provocation. “It definitely wasn’t an egging on,” Oden explained to reporters. “Obviously, I respect Nico, and so does he (Sneed) and everyone in our room. But it’s not about that, it’s about us.” Despite the coach’s diplomatic response, the exchange has undoubtedly added an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s contest, with both players likely to be highly motivated when they face off on the field.
The individual statistics tell an interesting story about both players heading into this matchup. Collins enters Week 4 as a productive offensive weapon, having accumulated 181 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the early part of the season. His growing reputation in the league makes Sneed’s dismissive comments all the more surprising. Sneed, on the other hand, has recorded five tackles over three games this year after spending the first four years of his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he established himself as a solid defensive back. This background adds context to the confrontation, as Sneed brings championship experience from his time with the Chiefs, while Collins is working to cement his status as one of the league’s top receivers.
Beyond the personal rivalry, this game holds significant importance for both franchises as they attempt to salvage their seasons after disappointing starts. The AFC South remains relatively competitive, meaning a win for either team could serve as a turning point in their campaign. For the Texans, who entered the season with high expectations after an impressive 2023, securing their first victory at home against a division rival would provide a much-needed confidence boost. Similarly, the Titans are looking to establish an identity under their coaching staff and prove they can compete in a division that many analysts predicted they would struggle in this year.
As game day approaches, fans from both sides will be watching closely to see if the pregame chatter translates into on-field drama when these teams clash at 1 p.m. EDT on September 28. While coaches typically prefer to avoid bulletin board material that might motivate opponents, this kind of player-to-player challenge often adds an element of excitement for spectators and intensity for participants. Whether Sneed can back up his dismissive comments by containing Collins, or if the Texans receiver will make the cornerback regret his words, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: what began as a routine divisional game between winless teams has suddenly become one of the more intriguing matchups of Week 4 in the NFL.
