It’s hard to believe that the most recent matchup between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts could’ve resulted in a tie between the two division foes atop the AFC South.
Instead, the Texans (6-2) found a way to pull out another close game while once again leaning on the defense to keep the proverbial door shut.
Speaking of ties - since that infamous regular season finale in 2022 - oh you remember, when the Texans couldn’t even lose right - ended in a 20-20 tie, four of the last five meetings between the Texans and Colts have been decided by four points or less.
Hard fought, weird, dramatic (unnecessarily) and just downright ugly at times. Just another typical AFC South showdown as I like to say. Interestingly enough, with Sunday’s win the Texans notched their sixth straight victory over an AFC South opponent.
Below, are some of the plays stood out to me that helped determine the outcome of this latest rivalry:
Finding his niche
While many would say Dameon Pierce is just lucky to still be wearing a uniform, given his struggles and lack of production in the run game, he’s found a different way to contribute to the team.
Pierce’s 45-yard opening kickoff return helped set the tone for the Texans on Sunday, giving them excellent field position to begin a pivotal division game.
While the Texans had to settle for a 35-yard field goal, the early points were a gift and obviously a difference in the game.
The blocking on the play was terrific. The most important block during the return came from Dare Ogunbowale, who attacked the outside shoulder of Colts special teamer Tyler Goodson perfectly, springing Pierce for an extra 25 yards.
NOTE: Pierce is the only player in the NFL with multiple 40-plus yard kick returns this season. He had a 42-yards return against the Packers week seven.
Pierce also reeled off a 33-yard return on his second return of the game.
Stroud wasn’t himself early
Every player is bound to just not have it every once in a while, even really good to great players. It happens.
Sunday might’ve been one of those days for C.J. Stroud.
He completed 25 of his 37 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown. However, there were a few curious throws that I thought weren’t exactly typical for the exceptionally accurate Stroud that caught my attention.
The first throw that I thought was atypical of what we usually see from Stroud came on the Texans first offensive possession. After Ogunbowale picked up the first down on a third-and-one, Stroud seemed to have been hell-bent on getting the ball to John Metchie, forcing one into double coverage that was nearly intercepted by linebacker E.J. Speed who dropped into coverage. After being tipped by Speed, free safety Julian Blackmon had a shot at the pick but couldn’t reach it off of the deflection.
The second throw that was of interest to me was an attempt to tight end Dalton Schultz on their second offensive possession.
Facing a third-and-two, Stroud who had plenty of time to throw, considering the route Schultz ran, sailed the pass wide and out of bounds.
Stroud and Schultz have struggled to get on the same page thus far with any realm of consistency and while the chemistry between the two improved as the game wore on, that was a throw Stroud definitely wishes he could have back as the Texans were forced to punt on the next play.
The third throw Stroud made that kind of raised my eyebrows was one in which most Texans fans have come to expect to be made to Nico Collins.
On the Texans seventh possession of the first half, they faced a second-and-eight on the Colts 36-yards line. Forced out of the pocket and on the scramble drill, Stroud airmailed a desperation pass to Schultz down the right sideline. It could’ve been a throw away ball, but it’s not really the throw that peaked my curiosity, rather whom he threw it to.
Stroud clearly misses a wide open Tank Dell streaking across the field on the play. He might’ve felt like he couldn’t plant his feet the way he wanted to make a strong enough throw and it’s a reason that I would easily accept.
However, this is merely an example of another way the Texans are missing Nico Collins, who has shown an uncanny ability to always be ‘Johnny on the spot’ for Stroud when flushed out of the pocket and extending a play.
Stroud made some incredible throws Sunday as well, particularly after some of those early game struggles.
Texans defense carried load
Texans defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter combined for three sacks, three tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.
According to NextGenStats, Hunter generated a team-high 12 pressures on 33 rushes against the Colts, the second-most pressures in a game this season and the highest-pressure rate.
They harassed Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson much of the day.
Hunter and Anderson, appropriately put the exclamation point on the Texans defensive effort Sunday, converging on Richardson the final play of the game for the sack and forced fumble.
When Richardson was able to throw the ball, Texans defenders were in position to make the play more times than not, particularly early.
Eric Murray was targeted quite a bit in the first half, in fact twice on the Colts first offensive possession. He’s really stepped his game up with the absence of veteran Jimmie Ward, who has missed the previous three games while dealing with a groin injury.
Between Murray, rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley and safety Jalen Pitre, they combined for 14 tackles, seven pass deflections and an interception.
Murray is one of only two safeties in the league this season to amass seven tackles and three pass deflections in a game.
Speaking of guys that have stepped their game up, how about Jalen Pitre!
He’s around many more good things this season than he was last season. He’s in the right spot and is making impact plays with far more frequency since embracing his new role as a nickel this season.
Pitre was the victim of a well executed rub-route between Colts receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce in the first quarter. Pitre, who has struggled in coverage, might’ve not have had a chance with Downs without the collision.
That touchdown gave the Colts a 10-3 lead late in the first quarter. Some explosive plays like this, on special teams and in the run game is what kept the Colts hanging around on Sunday.
Mixon in the zone
Joe Mixon eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the third consecutive game and fourth time in five games played this season. Mixon’s 14-yards touchdown run in the second quarter on Sunday made him the first player ever to amass those number their first five games with a team.
After the game, Mixon said he was in the zone. His play is evident of that and it only makes you wonder where the Texans would be without the juice he brings both on and off of the field.