WATCH: Lovie Smith says Texans ‘keep fighting every day’

“We keep coming to work.”

MERRRYYYY CHRISTMAS, H-TOWN. pic.twitter.com/LRFBLYQxri

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 24, 2022

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith is a big believer in his football team.

For just the second time this season, Smith gathered his team around a victorious locker room huddle and had a small talk, congratulating his players on their effort following a 19-14 win over the Tennessee Titans Saturday in Week 16 at Nissan Stadium.

“You keep coming to work,” Smith said. “We understand what’s happened this year, but you’re fighting every day. We said we have a three-game season. Nobody — I wouldn’t want to play this football team right now. This is a good football team. Like every game, it’s going to take all three phases, and that’s exactly what we did.”

The Texans generated two interceptions of rookie quarterback Malik Willis. In addition to keeping Derrick Henry below 150 rushing yards — a positive given he had tallied at least 200 rushing yards in each of his past four games against Houston — the defense also forced a fumble of the two-time NFL rushing champion.

Houston won the turnover battle. Houston won the game.

“Tomorrow you’re with your families,” Smith said. “Monday you’re off. Tuesday you’re off. We’ll see you Wednesday.”