Texans Welcome Bird-Flipping Bud to Town

Always the class act, Titans owner Bud Adams incurred a $250,000 fine for flipping the bird twice during Tennessee's victory in Buffalo last Sunday. The man who moved the Oilers out of town will be returning to the scene of the crime this Monday with Houston high school hero Vince Young back taking the snaps.

The 3-6 Titans aren't thinking playoffs, but they've won three straight since VY regained his starting job and he's played competently, if not spectacularly. Young has only been sacked once this season and has three passing TDs versus only two INTs (with two running touchdowns thrown in for good measure). He'll never be a P. Manning or Brees-type threat, but if he avoids turning the ball over he can help the Titans win games by handing off to superstud running back Chris Johnson (who torched the Texans earlier in the season in Houston's 34-31 victory) and picking up first downs with his legs when the play breaks down. The Texans on the other hand are thinking playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and a season sweep of the Titans would be a good start on that path. With tight end Owen Daniels lost for the season look to see Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter getting their fair share of balls while Andre Johnson receives double- and triple-teams. Jones is always a threat in the return game as well. Steve Slaton should get every chance to earn his starting position back (lost due to fumble issues) considering he's head and shoulders above backups Ryan Moats and Chris Brown. Neither possess Slaton's big-play capabilities and they don't do much of a better job of holding on to the ball than Slaton does. This game could come down to Houston's ability to shut down Chris Johnson. If that can be accomplished, Matt Schaub and his potent offense can take it from there. Look to see the Houston defense force the Titans to win the game with VY's arm. Winning on the national stage, at home, on Monday Night Football, against Bud Adams' boys would be a perfect holiday gift for Texans' fans and a locker room looking for their first postseason appearance.