The Houston Texans’ fumbled snap on second-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 1:22 go in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts was a huge letdown.
The loss of possession ensured a 26-20 win for Indianapolis, and it made Houston’s path to the playoffs that much harrier.
The Texans don’t have to worry about how the Week 15 rematch with the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium will impact their playoff hopes as the 36-7 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 14 eliminated that. However, interim coach Romeo Crennel is concerned about how his team will respond to the Colts two weeks after a tremendous disappointment.
“I hope we will respond like we did two weeks ago and play a tremendous game,” Crennel said. “But after you flop, there is some consternation on my part on how we’re going to do and what we’re going to do. And, so, the big deal is the kind of week of practice we have and then the attitude on Sunday as we go into the game.”
The Colts won’t take the Texans lightly, even with their 4-9 record and injury battered roster that will be without defensive tackle Brandon Dunn, safety Justin Reid, and running back David Johnson and receiver Brandin Cooks working their way back from a week off.
Crennel was impressed with the way Indianapolis crushed the Las Vegas Raiders 44-27 at Allegiant Stadium in Week 14.
Said Crennel: “I thought they did a good job versus the Raiders. They did a tremendous job of taking advantage of what the Raiders gave them, because the Raiders made a couple of mistakes early on in that game. But the game was close, I guess, for a half, within a touchdown, and then Indy pulled ahead afterwards.”
The Colts are tied for first place in the AFC South with the Tennessee Titans, each possessing a 9-4 record and having split the season series to enable a multiple of tiebreakers. Indianapolis just needs wins.
“They realize they’re tied for the lead, and they’re playing for the division lead,” said Crennel. “And, so, they’ll bring all of their guns into this game and they’ll be ready to go.”
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