Titans' L'Jarius Sneed Sparks War of Words With Nico Collins Ahead of Titans-Texans Showdown
Exchange of barbs between Sneed and Collins colors AFC South clash as both teams chase first win of the season.
The Houston Texans will host the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South divisional showdown on Sunday as both teams search for their first win of the season. The week’s buildup included a notable exchange between Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins that highlighted the intensity of a regional rivalry.
During a Titans media availability Wednesday, Sneed effectively dismissed Collins. "What's the challenge of Nico Collins this week?" a reporter asked in the Titans' locker room. "Who?" Sneed replied, seemingly in a rhetorical manner. "Nico Collins," the reporter clarified. "Who?" Sneed repeated, and then smirked. Collins later heard of the remarks and offered a sharp response. "He knows who I am," Collins countered. Before addressing Sneed's comments, the Pro Bowl receiver also expressed his excitement about the pivotal divisional game. "It's going to be fun," Collins said. "Can't wait for the matchup."
The following day, Titans cornerbacks coach and pass game coordinator Tony Oden attempted to downplay any potential drama leading up to Sunday's matchup. "It definitely wasn't an egging on," Oden told 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."
Collins enters Week 4 with 181 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Sneed has five tackles over three games this year. The Titans-Texans game kicks off at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston, a divisional test that could set an early tone in the AFC South. The exchange comes as both teams attempt to establish themselves after slow starts and looks to a matchup that often has implications beyond a single week of play.
Sneed, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings a veteran presence to a Titans secondary that will need to contain Collins and the Texans' offense. The media moment amplified the sense of anticipation around a contest that has long been a fixture in the division and remains a focal point as both teams seek timely momentum early in the season.