"Owner Bob McNair said after practice Wednesday that he's not happy with the team's record because it's under-performing, but he has faith in his players can beat Tennessee and finish strong.

"He's just speaking how it is," defense end Antonio Smith said. "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. You can't say nothing against it. The statistics are what they are. We are under-performing."

The Texans are 31st on defense, including 32nd against the pass. They've lost four in a row.

"Yeah, I'm worried about this team (and) what could happen to it, where it could go and what could happen to some of the younger players," Smith said. "It gets to the point when you think of the worst, but when you wake up in the morning you've got to shake it off and come up with a new frame of mind."

The Texans expected to play against Tennessee quarterback Vince Young, who they've never beaten. But because he's injured, they'll face rookie Rusty Smith, a sixth-round pick making his first start.

Coach Gary Kubiak said the switch won't affect the preparation."