Here is the sequence. It’s 2nd and 1. Odds of Houston converting either on this down or the next is astronomical. Joseph is confused looking to the sideline and Vrabel is telling him “it’s ok” and then does a sales job to make sure the ref sees it. https://twitter.com/mikemiracles/status/1317974690133118976
Why it’s genius: the 5-yard penalty gives them a new set of downs inside the 20 which means a maximum of one more possible 1st down before the end zone barring penalties. That’s a huge moment and incredibly smart in-game coaching from Vrabel.
The Texans were likely going to convert anyways so them running one or two more plays before they do only milks more clock off. Considering the Titans scored with 4 seconds left, it’s safe to say this move saved the game.
Here is a more thorough breakdown of how/why this worked: https://twitter.com/broadwaytn/status/1318039950152126469