Houston Texans (6-2) – Indianapolis Colts (4-4): 23-20
The Texans take the lead in the AFC South.
With this victory over a division rival, the DeMeco Ryans players recorded their 6th success of the season, not without difficulty. The Texans had to battle against the eye-catching Colts, but lost Stefon Diggs. After the loss of Nico Collins, this can be another blow to the Texans offense.
Shane Steichen's players have often been weighed down by his quarterback's inability to be precise. However, the Colts were always in the match, losing by only 3 points. But, they can't have any regrets, because the defense (11 pressures) and the ground game worked.
Anthony Richardson still has a lot to learn, and the comparison between him and CJ Stroud is stark during the match. The Texans quarterback hasn't been spectacular, but knows how to win games. That of the Colts has been spectacular at times, but does not know how to handle pressure, and de facto, win games.
Only 2 successful passes by Richardson
The first period is complicated for the two attacking teams.
Indianapolis is struggling, like Anthony Richardson (10/23, 175 yards, TD, INT) incapable of being precise. The quarterback summarizes his profile in one half. Only 2 completed passes out of 15 attempted in the 1st half, and fortunately, Anthony Richardson has a powerful arm.
He also has very good receivers capable of standing out. Josh Downs (4 REC, 109 yards, TD) is one of these, and scores the only touchdown for the Colts in this first half.
The Texans are more in reaction than in action. After Downs' touchdown, the Texans responded with a touchdown from Joe Mixon (25 races, 102 yards, TD) who avoided several defenders before finishing.
Just before halftime, the difference between the 2 quarterbacks from the same promotion comes down to 30 seconds. After imprecision, comes error. Jalen Pitre intercepts Anthony Richardson, then CJ Stroud (25/37, 285 yards, TD) improves this error, with a ball of great precision for Tank Dell (4 REC, 35 yards, TD).
The Colts not far from the heist
The 2nd period does not offer much more spectacle from the 2 teams. Houston manages to build, but cannot widen the gap. Indianapolis is weighed down by the poor choices of its quarterback, but there is still improvement.
Fortunately for Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor (20 carries, 105 yards, TD) and Josh Downs are there to help him. The runner is efficient, and Indianapolis thinks it can get ahead thanks to its receiver. Unfortunately, the touchdown is denied. Apart from these 2 players, the young quarterback is not helped. Michael Pittman is nonchalant in addition to committing penalties, while Tyler Goodson wastes a reception that should have been a touchdown.
CJ Stroud may regret the loss of another receiver with the injury to Stefon Diggs (5 REC, 81 yards). But, after Jonathan Taylor's touchdown for the Colts, nothing more will be scored. The Colts think they will go ahead after a CJ Stroud fumble returned for a touchdown. But, this is still refused because the quarterback put his knee on the ground.
The last chance is for Anthony Richardson. But, as a symbol, it is the defense of the Texans and Danielle Hunter who puts the quarterback of the Colts on the ground, unable to bring his team to a possible extension.
Stroud to Dell! Texans score right before the half
📺: #INDvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/8xbwGzc6mQ— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
