The Indianapolis Colts (9-4) have a big game coming up this weekend when they host the Houston Texans (4-9) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
The Week 15 matchup will be crucial for the Colts as they look to continue their playoff push with three games remaining in the regular season.
In hosting the Texans offense, here are three keys for the Colts defense in Week 15:
Get going sooner
The biggest theme for the Colts defense this season has been their slow starts but their extraordinary finishes. This happened in Week 13 when the Colts allowed 20 points to the Texans in the first half but kept them from scoring in the second half.
As they look to avoid getting upset, the Colts defense has to find a way to get into a rhythm sooner. With their ability to make second-half adjustments, they can put the game away quickly if they get off to a hot start.
Get the pass rush going
This is an objective every week, but it needs to be emphasized given how poorly the unit played against the Raiders in Week 14. The Colts couldn’t generate any kind of pressure in that game, and it allowed the Raiders to stay in the game longer than they should have.
The Colts got a great deal of pressure on Deshaun Watson in Week 13, thanks to DeForest Buckner and Justin Houston leading the way. It has to happen again on Sunday if this defense is going to dominate the Texans.
Turnover battle
The Colts have been mostly on the right side of the turnover battle for the majority of the season. That has to continue against the Texans. It’s the best way to keep Watson off the field and he is a bit susceptible under pressure. Of Watson’s six interceptions this season, four of them have come when under pressure.
The Colts have been an opportunistic defense this season and with Watson dealing with a depleted supporting cast, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities when they can.