It may only be Week 8 in the NFL season, but this matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans comes with major implications in the AFC South division race.
These two teams have already met this season in the Week 1 opener in Indianapolis, a game that the Texans were able to win 29-27.
We know that the Texans are 5-2 on the season, but what specifically has gone well for them since these two teams last met, and what’s gone awry?
To provide us with some insights, Cole Thompson, the managing editor of Texans Wire, answered five of our questions to fill us in on everything that has happened with Houston over the last several weeks.
At 5-2 on the year, what’s gone well for the Texans since Week 1 when these teams last played?
Thompson: When the Texans can have a balanced offense, they look like one of the league’s more unstoppable rosters. A healthy Joe Mixon has transformed one of the league’s worst rushing attacks from a season ago into a constant and secondary punch. When healthy, Mixon has rushed for over 100 yards in three of his four outings, including Week 1’s showdown in Indianapolis.
Houston’s also benefitted from playing younger quarterbacks that allowed the defense to feast. Caleb Williams was sacked seven times and threw two interceptions in Week 2 for the Chicago Bears. Drake Maye had three turnovers and was sacked four times in a blowout win. The Texans are fifth in sacks, fourth in tackles for loss and third in pressures, so they’ve done a good job winning their battles at the line of scrimmage.
On the flip side, have there been any struggles that opponents have taken advantage of?
Thompson: Despite the arrival of Stefon Diggs, the offense was predicated on finding Nico Collins. There’s a reason why he’s still top-five in receiving yards even though he’s missed two games with a hamstring injury. Tank Dell and Diggs simply aren’t getting it done through the air consistently. Last week against a very aggressive Green Bay secondary, Dell didn’t record a catch. Diggs finished with a team-leading 23 yards off five receptions.
For as good as the run blocking has been, the pass protection is an eye-sore. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said they could shift around the offensive line earlier this week. While it hasn’t happened yet, Stroud’s under more pressure this season through eight weeks than he was most of last year. With the Colts getting back DeForest Buckner, it could be a long afternoon for Kenyon Green and Juice Scruggs.
Who’s an under-the-radar player on offense to know and one on defense?
Thompson: Running back Dare Ogunbowale doesn’t see much action, but he’s a spark plug when on the field at running back. The Texans love him in pass protection and he’s a reliable target out of the backfield. He’s also got sure-fire hands and rarely drops anything.
Safety Calen Bullock had a pick last week against Jordan Love, marking his third of the regular season. He already secured a turnover in Week 1 against Anthony Richardson with his red-zone interception, which ended up being an x-factor for both sides. The difference from September until now is Bullock has been a staple in coverage. In Week 1, he only played 21 snaps. It’s clear Houston envisions a long-term role for him.
Houston was without several starters against Green Bay, any insights into what the injury report this week might look like?
Thompson: So Azeez Al-Shaair is out this week with a knee injury. It’s not expected to be a season-ender, but the Texans don’t have a timetable for his return date. Mario Edwards Jr. will once again be out because of a suspension. Defensive back Jimmie Ward won’t play, either. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter and second-year linebacker Henry To’oTo’o are expected to be back after missing last week’s outing.
Who wins and why?
Thompson: I don’t feel comfortable with Houston’s passing game, but its rushing attack has been the backbone of the offense. If Mixon can get going early, Stroud simply must avoid turnovers. Anthony Richardson was able to torch Houston early last season before leaving with a concussion in Week 2’s win. What would he have been like if he played the entire 60 minutes?
This is going to be a four-quarter game with several lead changes. Earlier in the year, I had Houston winning on the road and Indianapolis doing the same. I think if the Texans pulled out a win last week, then they’d be on upset alert, but not anymore. Give me another Ka’imi Fairbairn game-winning field goal to secure a 6-2 start.
Texans 30, Colts 28