Indianapolis Colts (0-1) – Houston Texans (1-0): 27–29
In a clash of the AFC South division, the Colts and the Texans deliver a pleasant match. In a confrontation between 2 quarterbacks from the same class, it is finally CJ Stroud who comes out the winner. The quarterback is well helped by his new offensive recruits Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. The season starts well and promises to be full of promise in Texas.
Indianapolis tried everything, but Anthony Richardson was not enough in only his 5th NFL game. The Colts can regret an offense lacking consistency, and a defense conceding costly penalties. But, there is great promise, and an improvement is expected in the coming weeks.
First for Stefon Diggs and Calen Bullock
The first half starts with some genius moves from both quarterbacks. CJ Stroud (24/32, 234 yards, 2 TDs) completes a pass to his tight end Brevin Jordan on his knees for a first attempt. But, Richardson (9/19, 6 carries, 268 yards, 3 TDs, INT) does even better. The Colts quarterback finds Alec Pierce (3 REC, 125 yards, TD) on a 60-yard bomb, and gives his team the lead.
The Texans make few mistakes, but do not advance too much, settling for 2 field goals. It is necessary to wait until the beginning of the 2nd quarter to see Houston score their first touchdown of the match by their new recruit Stefon Diggs (6 REC, 33 yards, 2 TDs).
Despite his spectacular touchdown at the start of the game, the rest of the first half was a nightmare for Anthony Richardson. Unable to find his receivers, the young player was even intercepted by a rookie, safety Calen Bullock.
AR's big arms and legs are not enough
The second period saw the advent of special teams. The Colts blocked a punt by Tommy Townsend near the Texans' end zone. Discreet until then, Jonathan Taylor (16 carries, 48 yards, TD) took advantage of their work to reduce the score. Unfortunately, he missed the conversion 2 points from equalizing.
The Colts thought they had the opportunity to take the lead after Kenny Moore's interception. Unfortunately, after JuJu Brents' in the first half, this interception was again canceled for an avoidable foul by Jaylon Jones. The Texans did not miss the opportunity, and Joe Mixon (30 carries, 159 yards, TD) took advantage to score his first touchdown in his new colors.
But Indianapolis doesn't give up, and relaunches the suspense with Ashton Dulin on a new bomb from Richardson. Unfortunately, Houston responds, and Stefon Diggs is in the right frame of mind and offers himself a double.
But, that's without counting on the determination of the Colts quarterback. After another bomb to Alec Pierce, Anthony Richardson allowed himself to score his 3rd touchdown of the match, his first on the run. Unfortunately, the defenses were very absent in the 2nd period, especially that of the Colts. Finally, the man of the match Joe Mixon closed the game on a run right down the center.
.@StefonDiggs scores his first TD with the @HoustonTexans!
📺: #HOUvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/XXohBZDrvh— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
