Divisional rivalries are still alive and well in the NFL, and this weekend’s slate has three of them on the schedule, including a showdown between AFC South foes, the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans.
Ahead of the matchup, reporters asked Titans star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed about Texans wide receiver Nico Collins. Sneed answered with a dismissive one-word response, prompting Collins to fire back.
How Did Nico Collins Respond to L’Jarius Sneed’s Viral One-Word Diss?
Rivalries are a big part of what makes NFL Sundays special, and while the Titans and Texans already don’t like each other, a personal feud appears to be brewing between Collins and Sneed.
Ahead of the matchup, reporters asked Sneed about going up against Collins in Week 4, and the Titans cornerback offered a simple one-word response. “Who?” Sneed said.
When Collins was later asked about the comment, the Texans receiver explained that he prefers to let his play speak for itself rather than respond with words.
“I’m just me,” Collins said. “I don’t say much I just play. You can talk all you want, I’m not hearing it. Line that s**t up.”
The Texans-Titans matchup already carried plenty of intrigue as a divisional rivalry, and the back-and-forth between Sneed and Collins adds even more fuel to the fire.
Despite Houston’s 0-3 start, Collins has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling offense, hauling in 14 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He’s earned a PFSN WRi grade of 78.6 through three games, ranking 30th among all wide receivers.
Tennessee hasn’t fared any better, and it is also sitting at 0-3 to start the season. Sneed, however, has been a key piece on the Titans’ defense, totaling seven tackles, defending three passes, and allowing only four catches through three games.
Whoever wins this game will pick up their first victory of the season, making it a pivotal matchup for both teams. Sneed has historically followed the opposing team’s top wide receiver, so fans can expect to see him lined up against Collins for most of the afternoon.
Both Sneed and Collins are crucial to their team’s success, and whichever one has the bigger performance could very well determine the game’s outcome. It’s shaping up to be an electric showdown between two players near the top of their positions, and one that will draw plenty of attention after the back-and-forth leading up to kickoff.
The Titans-Texans matchup will be broadcast on local CBS stations at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 28.