The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts hook up for a Thursday night encounter at NRG Stadium to kickoff Week 12 in the NFL. To get ready for the AFC South rematch, Kevin Hickey, managing editor of the Colts Wire, took time to answer some questions.
texans wire: what is the colts’ strategy on preparing during a short week?
Kevin Hickey: Their first objective is to get healthy. They haven’t practiced yet this week but during Monday’s walkthrough, they had 11 players listed as did not participate. That number has gone down since then, but they have to get healthy first. Because it is a divisional game, there aren’t a ton of new installs that need to be emphasized. They already know what works against the Texans so it may just be going over a few more wrinkles in the game plan to keep them guessing.
TW: HOW WILL THE COLTS GET THEIR RUN GAME GOING WITHOUT MARLON MACK?
KH: It won’t be as easy because of Mack’s ability to break off a big run at anytime. But even when he’s healthy the success of the rushing attack begins with the offensive line. As Quenton Nelson continues to be an elite guard, he needs to lead the way whether they are running zone blocking or power. Jonathan Williams is likely to step in for Mack, and he had 13 carries for 116 yards in relief in Week 11.
tw: who would be the next colts receiver to torch the texans?
KH: That’s a good question. The Colts are still holding out hope for T.Y. Hilton to be ready, but that’s still up in the air. The defacto WR1 role goes to Zach Pascal, who went off for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 7 against the Texans. The Colts don’t have a deep wide receiver corps right now, but he would be the one to key on in the passing game.
WHAT ARE SOME WEAKNESSES THE TEXANS COULD EXPLOIT?
KH: The right side of the offensive line is certainly a weakness. Right guard Mark Glowinski has regressed incredibly while right tackle Braden Smith hasn’t shown a lot of improvement in Year 2. The Texans need to get their best defender head up from Glowinski or run some stunts on the right side. That has really given them trouble this year. Also, Deshaun Watson will want to attack the seams. The Colts mostly run a two-high zone so getting DeAndre Hopkins in the slot or getting Darren Fells involved in the middle of the field should help.
TW: are there any concerns jacoby brissett could get re-injured?
KH: No. Brissett could have played in Week 10 against the Dolphins but Frank Reich decided against it. Even though he was less than 100% in Week 11, he still looked capable of moving in the pocket and avoiding a rush. His change of direction didn’t look hindered at all.
what is your prediction? do you have a bold prediction?
KH: I still expect this to be a close game. However, being at NRG Stadium and with some very significant injuries, the Texans offense might be too much to overcome while the passing game for the Colts struggles. I’ve got it Texans, 24-20.