Titans quarterback Vince Young is 3-0 as a starter this season and 21-11 for his career. The last time Young played against his hometown team Dec. 10, 2006 was a day Houston football fans would rather forget.
Young was a rookie, a favorite son, and his 39-yard touchdown run in overtime gave the Titans a 26-20 victory.
Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans was also a rookie that season. He had 14 tackles in that game, but he wasn't able to make a 15th tackle to save the game-winning touchdown.
The Texans called a blitz. Young saw an opening up the middle and took off as if he had been shot out of a cannon. He didn't stop until he reached the wall behind the end zone, where he slammed the ball and danced and celebrated with his teammates.
While Young celebrated, thousands of fans cheered. Ryans has never forgotten that experience, and he never wants to suffer through it again.
"It was a devastating play for us, but when he scored, the way the fans erupted, well, that was a blow to my heart," Ryans said. "The way the fans erupted hurt even more. When he scored, it was like this was his home, like he played for the Texans. You would have thought the Texans had won the game. They forgot all about us. We thought we were in Nashville. I'll always remember that."
Young, who has a 3-0 record against the Texans, will make his second appearance at Reliant Stadium on Monday night.
"I never want to hear that sound again," Ryans said. "I never want to hear that sound when somebody else scores in our stadium. And I'll do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen."
SERIES HISTORY: 16th regular-season meeting. Titans lead series 11-4. Texans have a two-game winning streak, including a 34-31 victory at Nashville this season. The Texans are trying to sweep the Titans for the second time. The first was in 2004.
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