OVERALL
The Texans could have defeated the Colts. They led 20-3 in the fourth quarter, 20-6 with 10:44 left, 20-13 with 7:42 left and settled for a tie with time running out in overtime.
Lovie Smith said a tie was better than a loss. He's right, but a victory is better than a tie, especially against a heavily favored division rival.
Grade: B-minus
Quarterbacks
In staking the Texans to a 20-3 lead, Davis Mills engineered four scoring drives, including two touchdown passes to tight end O.J. Howard. After outside linebacker E.J. Speed blew by Laremy Tunsil for a blindside strip sack that led to the Colts' first touchdown and changed the momentum of the game, Mills and the offense were terrible on their last four possessions, including two in overtime.
He finished with 23-of-37 for 240 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He averaged only 6.5 yards per attempt, but his rating was a respectable 98.9.
Grade: C-plus
Running backs
Just like in the last two seasons, the Texans struggled to run the ball. Rex Burkhead carried 14 times for 40 yards (2.9 per carry). Dameon Pierce ran 11 times for 33 yards (3.0). Their longest runs were 8 yards each.
The Texans finished with 28 carries for 77 yards, a 2.8 average that was worse than their league-low 3.4 last season. Obviously, they've still got problems with an offensive line that had too many miscommunications.
Grade: F
Wide receivers
Brandin Cooks, Chris Moore and Nico Collins combined for 12 catches and 139 yards. Forty-two of those yards came on a flea-flicker to start the second half that ended with Davis Mills connecting with Cooks for a 42-yard gain.
Subtract those yards, and the receivers had 11 receptions for 97 yards – not nearly good enough. No wideout caught a touchdown pass.
Grade: D
Tight ends
Welcome to Houston, O.J. Howard. In his first game since being released by the Bills, Howard caught two touchdown passes from Davis Mills. The first one was for 16 yards to give the Texans a 10-3 lead in the second quarter. His second one was 22 yards to give them a 20-3 advantage in the third quarter.
Those were his only two catches. Pharaoh Brown had one reception for 17 yards and Brevin Jordan one for 5 yards. Obviously, the tight ends have to do a better job of run blocking.
Grade: B
Offensive line
Once again, the Texans got stuffed in the running game, averaging 2.8 yards a carry and not generating a run of more than 8 yards. Perhaps left tackle Laremy Tunsil and center Justin Britt not playing in preseason had something to do with it.
Rookie Kenyon Green, who didn't play but once in preseason, came off the bench. There was too much miscommunication on too many plays, a problem that must be rectified by new line coach George Warhop.
Grade: F
Defensive line
End Jerry Hughes got the first takeaway and sack – both leading to touchdowns. Hughes, playing in his first season with his hometown team, intercepted the second pass of his distinguished career.
Hughes recorded the Texans' only sacks. Jonathan Greenard had two tackles for loss. Nobody but Hughes hit quarterback Matt Ryan more than once. The linemen contributed to Jonathan Taylor rushing for 161 yards and averaging 5.2 a carry.
Grade: C
Linebackers
Like the linemen, the linebackers put on an inconsistent performance against the run. They allowed Jonathan Taylor to break too many tackles. They helped make some good stuffs at the line and behind the line, but, overall, the Colts averaged 4.7 yards a carry.
Christian Kirksey recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown. Kamu Grugier-Hill was in on 18 tackles, including 14 unassisted.
Grade: C
Secondary
With four new starters, including rookies Derek Singley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, the secondary is going to suffer growing pains. Matt Ryan threw for 352 yards and one touchdown. His rating was 83.1. The corners had problems with Michael Pittman, who did a T.Y. Hilton impersonation with nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Owens contributed 15 tackles, including 11 unassisted. Jalen Pitre had 11. Pitre let an interception slip through his hands.
Grade: C-plus
Special teams
Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked field goals of 45 and 43 yards. Cam Johnston averaged 45.4 gross yards and a 41 net. He put three inside the 20. Jon Weeks' snaps were perfect. Coverage was outstanding.
Grade: B-plus
Coaching
Lovie Smith came close to leading his team to a stunning upset. He'll get criticized for punting in overtime rather than going for it on fourth-and-3. He said a tie was better than a loss, but he knows the Texans could have won the game after leading 20-3 in the fourth quarter. Pep Hamilton called plays for the first time and showed some new wrinkles, including bringing Jeff Driskel off the bench to run for a 5-yard first down. Frank Ross' special teams did a terrific job.
Grade: B-minus
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday and Thursday on Texans Radio. He also can be read three times a week on GallerySports.com.
