Tag: Houston Texans

Texans LBs showed up to TNF in Mortal Kombat costumes and NFL fans roasted them

There were some 41-7 jokes made here.

The Houston Texans linebackers had some fun before Thursday night’s big home game against the Indianapolis Colts by dressing up like fighters from Mortal Kombat, or so I’m told by Twitter as I haven’t played that game in a while. It also looks like dressing up before games is something they do, which is whatever.

But it is tough to do when you’re coming off a 41-7 loss to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, which is something many fans brought up when seeing the video of the LBs making their arrival.

Thursday night’s game with the Colts is huge because both teams are tied atop the AFC South at 6-4.

First, let me show the Texans’ LBs making their arrival at NRG Stadium in Houston:

And here’s fans roasting them:

Texans-Colts live blog: 20-17 Texans — FINAL

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts square off in Week 12 on Thursday Night Football. Can’t catch the game? We have you covered.

0:05 — Watson steps back and chucks the ball deep as time expires. Houston moves to 7-4, the Colts fall to 6-5, and the Texans take first place in the AFC South. More to come all night at Texas Wire.

0:50 — Watson rushes for six yards and fumbles as he goes to the ground. There was no clear recovery despite multiple Colts defenders saying they recovered it. It’s still Houston football.

2:00 — On a third-and-4 from the Texans’ 47, Watson hits WR Will Fuller for an 11-yard gain. The Colts burn their second timeout.

3:00 — OLB Brennan Scarlett stops Brissett a yard short of the first down on a scramble. The Colts turn the ball over on downs.

3:00 — The Colts call their first timeout before deciding to go for it on fourth-and-7 from the Texans’ 47-yard line.

10:23 — Texans CB Johnathan Joseph clowns Hilton and knocks away a pass that was in his hands that he dropped on a third-and-4 from the Colts’ 47 that would have surely converted. Houston forces a punt.

12:41 — Watson makes an MVP throw and hits Hopkins for a 30-yard touchdown. Extra point is good. Texans, 20-17

fourth quarter

1:26 — On third-and-4 from the Colts’ 34-yard line, WR T.Y. Hilton, the Texans killer, drops a sure first down that was defended well by Hargreaves. Also OLB Whitney Mercilus is down.

2:47 — The Texans can only respond to the Indianapolis scoring drive with a Fairbairn field goal that curves, hits the right upright, and doinks good. Colts, 17-13

5:36 — Williams breaks four tackles and scampers for a 13-yard touchdown. The extra point is good. Colts, 17-10

11:50 — The Texans go for it on a fourth-and-3 from the Indianapolis 34-yard line, and Watson throws a pass intended for WR Kenny Stills right into the arms of S Marvell Tell, who dropped an interception. Nonetheless, it’s turnover on downs for the Texans, who got the ball first to start the second half.

third quarter

stats

Texans

Watson: 10/15, 116 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Hyde: 6 carries, 15 yards

Duke Johnson: 3 carries 20 yards

Hopkins: 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD

Colts

Brissett: 13/18, 104 yards

Jonathan Williams: 13 carries, 33 yards

Eric Ebron: 3 catches, 31 yards

halftime

0:02 — K Adam Vinatieri hits a 36-yard field goal to tie the game. Houston will get the ball to start the second half. 10-10

2:00 — The Colts bust a coverage on a blitz and Watson makes Indianapolis play with a 35-yard touchdown to Hopkins. Texans, 10-7

4:33 — The Colts make the Texans pay for the Watson interception as Brissett rushes for a 5-yard touchdown. Colts, 7-3

8:01 — Watson throws an interception as he was trying to throw over the middle. CB Kenny Moore tipped it into the air and grabbed it. The Colts will start their drive at the Houston 42-yard line.

8:44 — The Texans hold the Colts and force them to a fourth-and-14 from their own 28. Colts C Ryan Kelly is injured and being tended to by trainers.

13:46 — K Ka’imi Fairbairn caps off the Texans’ drive with a 35-yard field goal. Texans, 3-0

second quarter

3:24 — WR DeAndre Carter returns a punt 13 yards up to the Texans’ 46-yard line.

4:03 — Houston limits the Colts to just one first down and Indianapolis’ drive peters out at the 19-yard line.

6:40 — After a punt that had to be re-punt due to offsetting penalties on both teams, Texans P Bryan Anger backs up the Colts at their own 1-yard line.

6:49 — The Texans pick up a first down but can’t get anything going as QB Deshaun Watson throws it away on a third-and-10 from the Texans’ 42.

10:40 — According to John Harris, sideline reporter for the Texans Radio Network, newly acquired CB Vernon Hargreaves was the nickel corner for the entire first defensive series for Houston.

11:31 — OLB Jacob Martin gets a much needed sack of QB Jacoby Brissett to get the Colts off the field.

15:00 — Texans win the toss and defer to the second half.

first quarter

The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts finish up their season series Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

Thursday Night Football is one of the most broadcast and simulcast games of the week. Are you sure you can’t watch the game? Our friends at FuboTV may be able to help.

Check the inactives. WR Keke Coutee is a healthy scratch, which means WR Will Fuller will play. CB Bradley Roby is out.

Don’t forget to set your fantasy lineup. Here are some recommended sits and starts.

Texans Wire countdown to Colts on Thursday night: 10 factors to watch

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts finish up their 2019 series on Thursday night. Here are 10 factors to keep an eye on at NRG Stadium.

WHEN: 7:20 p.m. CT

WHERE: NRG Stadium

FORECAST: Cloudy, 73 degrees, 8 mph winds (indoors)

FOLLOW: @therealmarklane, @averydduncan

LISTEN: Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] and 100.3 The Bull [KLOL]

WATCH: NFL on FOX/NFL Network (Joe Buck and Troy Aikman)

(NOAA/NASA via AP)

 

10. passes jacoby brissett has had batted down

The former New England Patriots signal caller has had 10 of his passes batted down at the line of scrimmage, which is tied for the fifth-most in the NFL. Houston has to be aware that Brissett’s passes come awfully close in passing lanes and knock them around. Furthermore, they need to be aware of pop flies that could be big momentum changers.

 

9. deshaun watson’s rank for time in the pocket

The Texans quarterback gets 2.5 seconds on average in the pocket to survey the situation and make his throw, tied for the ninth-highest in the NFL. If the Houston offensive line is able to give Watson a little more time, or even keep it at this level, the former Pro Bowler should be able to find the open man and make the Colts pay.

 

8. Texans Rb carlos hyde’s rank for first downs rushing

The 29-year-old has tallied 38 first downs on the ground in 2019, tied with Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey for the eighth-most in the NFL. He only produced one last week in Balitmore. Hyde will have to continue his climb into the top-10 for the Texans to present a multiple attack front.

 

7. carlos hyde’s rank for rush attempts per broken tackle

The former 2014 second-round pick for the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle every 8.3 rushing attempts, the seventh-most in the NFL. Hyde will need to continue to break tackles and earn those dirty yards for the Houston offense to keep the ball, melt clock, and churn yards on long drives.

 

6. texans’ rank for fewest sacks

The Texans defense has produced 21 sacks through 10 games, which are the sixth-fewest in the NFL. While losing defensive end J.J. Watt could be a part of it, the Houston pass rush has been anemic through the second and third quarter of the season. Houston will have to find a way to get pressure on Brissett or else he could have another opportunity to torch the Texans’ secondary, which is already down safety Justin Reid and cornerback Lonnie Johnson.

 

5. Houston’s yards per carry

5.0 — no, for real. It isn’t a trick of rounding up or down to get the figure this time. The Texans bust five yards a pop on average, tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the third-best in the league. The best protection Watson can get is for the run game to present a diverse attack. Running backs Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson will need to be effective.

 

4. the colts’ rank for rushing yards per game

The Colts rushing offense generates 141.1 rushing yards per game, the fourth-most in the NFL. Jonathan Williams, who will be filling in for Marlon Mack at running back, produced over 100 yards last week the the 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston has to find a way to curtail the Colts’ run game.

 

3. deshaun watson’s rank for passes off rpo’s

The third-year quarterback from Clemson has passed 50 times off of run-pass options, the third-most in the NFL. Houston needs to create more occasions for Watson to run these plays as he leads the NFL with the most passing yards off run-pass option with 442.

 

2. deandre hopkins’ rank for catches

The two-time All-Pro has hauled in 75 catches, the second-most in the NFL behind Michael Thomas’ 94. The Colts defense knows where the ball is going tonight, but the only one who can truly stop Hopkins is Hopkins himself. Nuk will have to be top notch with his execution because the division depends on it.

 

1. texans’ rank for false starts

The Texans offense has committed 22 false starts, the most in the NFL. Houston will need to fix this issue as they seek to beat the Colts for the first time since Week 4 of 2018 and stave off a sweep, which last occurred in 2017. It will take discipline in pre-snap for that to happen.

Colts vs. Texans: Live updates from Week 12

Live updates from Week 12.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) are set to visit the Houston Texans (6-4) on Thursday night at NRG Stadium for what is a crucial divisional matchup for both teams.

As Indy holds the top spot in the division despite the tied records—thanks to the Week 7 win—the victor of his physical matchup will be in sole possession of first place in the AFC South.

The Colts will see the return of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton from a calf injury that has kept him off the field since Week 9. They will be without running back Marlon Mack, who is expected to miss the next few weeks due to a fractured hand.

We have the live updates here from the Colts media squad and reporters following the game:

https://twitter.com/TheColtsWire/lists/indianapolis-colts

Fantasy sits and starts for Texans-Colts on Thursday night

There are fantasy football points to be had as the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 12. Don’t miss out.

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts will kickoff Week 12 in the NFL with a Thursday night encounter at NRG Stadium.

For some fantasy owners, this is the first chance to get into the action of the week. Here are some recommended sits and starts from the matchup.

starts

Colts QB Jacoby Brissett — The former New England Patriots quarterback managed to throw for four touchdown passes in the Week 7 showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. He gets the best protection in the league with 2.7 seconds in the pocket. Brissett is 4-0 against the Texans as a starter. Let Brissett set the tone for Week 12.

Texans RB Carlos Hyde — Houston’s run game averages 5.0 yards per carry, the third-best in the NFL, and Hyde has picked up the eighth-most first downs in the league with 38, same number as Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette. The Texans will give Hyde his chances to make an impact, even when the game is no longer consequential as seen with last week’s 41-yard run in an already decided game at Baltimore.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins — The two-time All-Pro is second in the NFL with 75 catches. The Colts defense knows the ball is headed his way, but Hopkins finds ways to get the job done. Hopkins has caught at least seven passes in his last six games, posting two 100-yard performances in that span. Where it’s a liability to start Hopkins is his yards per reception is down to 7.2, the second-lowest of his career.

 

sits

Colts RB Jonathan Williams — While Williams had a 100-yard performance last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is unlikely he will produce such an effort for the second straight week, even against Houston’s run defense, which gives up 4.6 yards per carry, tied with New England for the ninth-highest in the league. As the feature back, Williams will have to prove he can shine.

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton — While the Texans killer historically has strong games against Houston, even inside NRG Stadium, he is questionable coming off of a short week. Though the Texans expect him to play, there are questions as to how effective he can be. Stay away for this week.

Texans defense/special teams — The Texans defense generally has trouble with the Colts. It is reasonable to assume the Texans can still win the game, even with a poor defensive and special teams performance folks should steer clear of in fantasy. However, there are better defensive and special teams efforts to be had on Sunday, not Thursday night.

Texans-Colts inactives: CB Bradley Roby out

The Houston Texans released their seven inactives ahead of their Thursday night showdown with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12 at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans announced their inactives ahead of their Week 12 tilt with the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

Houston will be down cornerback help again as Bradley Roby and Lonnie Johnson are both scratches for the rematch. Safety will also be an area of concern as both Justin Reid and Mike Adams are out with concussions.

Texans inactives
S Mike Adams Concussion
CB Lonnie Johnson Ankle
S Justin Reid Concussion/shoulder
CB Bradley Roby Hamstring
WR Keke Coutee
OT Chris Clark
ILB Tyrell Adams
Colts inactives
RB Marlon Mack Hand
CB Shakial Taylor Ankle
S Khari Willis Concussion
WR Parris Campbell Hand
CB Rock Ya-Sin Ankle
DT Trevon Coley
QB Chad Kelly

 

Texans vs. Colts: Who is picking Houston in Week 12?

The Houston Texans face the Indianapolis Colts in NFL Week 12. CBS Sports, USA Today, Pro Football Focus, NFL.com make their picks.

The 6-4 Houston Texans come into their Thursday night matchup with the 6-4 Indianapolis Colts as slight favorites at NRG Stadium.

Thursday night’s Texans vs. Colts battle isn’t just another chapter of a growing rivalry, it’s one with deep playoff implications — with the winner taking full-control of the tight AFC South. Here is what the experts say about the game:

CBS Sports (Cody Benjamin): Texans

texans-bill-obrien-fans-booing-late-fourth-quarter
(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has the Texans winning in a close bout, 24-23. The reason being the NRG Stadium home field advantage and the need for redemption for Deshaun Watson and Co.

“Pretty much every AFC South game is a coin flip. This is no exception. The Colts should be able to attack Houston’s secondary, but Deshaun Watson will be out to prove Week 11’s flop was an anomaly. At home on a short week, he gets the slight edge,” said Benjamin.

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Colts vs Texans: 3 keys for the offense in Week 12

Keys for the offense in Week 12.

Hopefully, Indianapolis Colts fans get more beautiful touchdown celebrations like this often on Thursday night when they travel to face the Houston Texans.

Last week, the Colts offense took off and was able to get back to running the football. Indianapolis racked up 264 rushing yards on the day, and that’s after losing running back Marlon Mack early in the second half with a hand injury.

Week 7 against the Texans was a strong showing from the Colts’ passing offense. Jacoby Brissett had his best game of the season throwing for 326 yards and four touchdowns. Things are a little bit different this time around.

Let’s take a look at three keys for the offense in this pivotal AFC South matchup:

IndyStar

1. Establish the run

It’s the mantra of the Indianapolis offense: “Run the damn ball.” On the season the Colts have the number four ranked rush offense, averaging 141 yards per game. The last few weeks though, the run offense hasn’t been there. But last week they got back to what they do best.

Against a lowly-ranked Jacksonville Jaguars run defense the Colts were able to run for 264 yards and average 7.3 yards per carry. Good news for Indianapolis, the Houston run defense isn’t any better than the one they saw last Sunday against Jacksonville.

Every since star defensive player J.J. Watt was put on season-ending injured reserve, the Texans run defense has been putrid to say the least. Since the Watt injury, the Texans are allowing 6.61 yards per carry, that’s 31st in the NFL, 32nd is the Jaguars.

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Texans activate TE Jordan Thomas off reserve injured list

The Houston Texans have activated tight end Jordan Thomas off the reserve/injured list ahead of Thursday night’s game with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Houston Texans activated tight end Jordan Thomas off the reserve/injured list on Thursday ahead of their Week 12 encounter with the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.

To make room for the second-year tight end from Mississippi State, the club waived defensive end Joel Heath and receiver Steven Mitchell.

Thomas caught 20 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns, all in the red zone, as a sixth-round rookie last year. In 2019, the Texans have relied on tight ends Jordan Akins, taken in the third round of 2018, along with Darren Fells to provide big-bodied targets for quarterback Deshaun Watson in the red zone.

The 6-5, 277-pound tight end sustained a rib injury in preseason that landed him on injured reserve shortly before the club’s cut down to a mandatory 53-man roster on Aug. 31. With Thomas’ return, the Texans will have another large target to feature in the red zone or on critical third down attempts.

Colts vs. Texans: Week 12 staff picks and predictions

Colts Wire staff gives their Week 12 takes.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) and Houston Texans (6-4) are set for a vital matchup Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

The Week 12 bout will decide who holds sole possession of first place in the AFC South. The Colts currently hold the top spot because of their tiebreaking win in Week 7.

Here is how the Colts Wire staff sees the game unfolding:

Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Colts 24, Texans 22

I have been going back and forth with this game all week. It was very concerning to see the injury report on Monday but as the week progressed, it isn’t too bad all things considered.

This divisional matchup has serious implications now and down the stretch. The Colts should be getting T.Y. Hilton and Pierre Desir back—even if they are dealing with some other injuries in the secondary. The potential return of Hilton gives the Colts the advantage to win the game.

I don’t expect Jacoby Brissett to fire off 326 yards and four touchdowns again like he did in Week 7, but he should be in line for a big day. The Texans secondary is banged up in a bad way, and the absence of J.J. Watt has opened a massive hole in their run defense.

This is going to be an ugly, physical game that will be won in the trenches. Seeing as the Colts have the advantage there, they come away with an upset win on the road.

Arden Franklyn (@ArdenSportsTalk): Colts 26, Texans 20

In recent games, the Colts and Texans have played some good matchups together and I expect it to continue on Thursday night. As for why I’m expecting the Colts to win, it’s just a matter of confidence.

With their starting quarterback returning to the fold, T.Y. Hilton possibly returning (and causing another nightmare for the Texans) and the fact they’ve beaten the Texans three consecutive times since last season, the Colts definitely know they can beat this team in any way possible.

But let’s also acknowledge this: the Texans are probably coming out fired up because of what’s at stake (division lead/not losing the season series) along with avenging their poor performance from last Sunday, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they established an early, double-digit lead.

Yet, should it be enough for a win? Absolutely, not because the Colts won’t allow themselves to fall into a deep hole against the Texans.

John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Texans 31, Colts 24

I rarely predict losses for the Colts but this week may be just too challenging with injuries piling up on a short week. Houston is coming off of a blowout loss in Baltimore and very rarely do we see a good football team come off a bad loss in worse condition.

The Colts losing Marlon Mack makes this game seem like a mismatch for Indy personnel-wise. Not to mention the Texans kryptonite, T.Y. Hilton, is still questionable with a calf injury. Even if “the Ghost” decides to suit up he will not be 100%.

Jonathan Williams and Nyheim Hines will do their best to establish the ground game but this game will come down to stopping the Texans passing attack and keeping Deshaun Watson in the pocket. The Colts defense has stepped up in recent weeks but this Houston offense is one of the better units the Colts will see all season.

Injuries in the secondary will also play a huge factor with Rock Ya-Sin questionable as well. Hopefully, Kenny Moore and Marvel Tell can step up like they did last week against this talented receiving corps.

I expect Jacoby Brissett to have a huge night with 300 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns but in the end, it will be the Colts playing catchup at NRG Stadium. I hope the Colts prove me wrong in this one. One thing I do believe though, if this game was on Sunday, it would be a completely different result.

Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Colts 31, Texans 24

It should be an entertaining game. The Colts should expect an early punch from the Texans as they’re coming home off an embarrassing loss to the Ravens last Sunday.

I’ll be interested to see how Houston defends Indianapolis’ offense. Last time these two teams met Jacoby Brissett three for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. But the Texans run defense has struggled since J.J. Watt was lost for the season.

The Colts defense must show up and play to the level that they have the last 5-6 games. Watson does have an ankle injury so if guys like Grover Stewart and Denico Autry can get inside pressure early, it will test if Watson can be mobile.

This game is more than likely going to decide who wins the AFC South. The Colts are getting back T.Y. Hilton and Pierre Desir at the right time. I think their returns help the Colts take a firm handle on the AFC South in this Thursday night matchup.