Defensive grades from the Texans’ 20-17 win over the Colts

The Houston Texans defense earned their fair share of gold stars from their 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

special teams

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn connected on both of his field goals of 35 and 36 yards, even though the latter curved towards the right upright and ricocheted in for three points. Fairbairn hit both of his extra point tries with ease.

Fairbairn hit two kickoffs for touchbacks and had the Colts return three of his kicks for 50 yards.

Punter Bryan Anger had two punts for 94 yards, including a boomer of 57 yards that was downed at the 1-yard line. Only one of his kicks was called for a fair catch.

Returner DeAndre Carter returned two punts for 23 yards and called for two fair catches. He had no chance to return kickoffs as all of the Colts’ kicks were touchbacks.