The Indianapolis Colts continued their winless streak on Week 1 to eleven straight seasons as they fell to the Houston Texans at home 29-27. Throughout the game, there were missed opportunities on both offense and defense. The main culprit was the defense in this game as the Texans scored on six of their ten possessions. This also includes one drive that ended the half and one drive that ended the game. Nonetheless, several positives were showcased in this game and it could be a sign of more things to come this season. Even in this week one losing effort, this game should instill confidence in the Colts’ young QB moving forward.
3 Positive Elements From Week 1 for the Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson is the Real Deal as an Explosive Dual Threat
If there were any doubts about Anthony Richardson‘s ability, that was all put to rest on Sunday. There are still concerns about his accuracy, but there is no question that he is an explosive playmaker. Richardson finished going 9-19 passing for 212 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. He also led the team in rushing yards with 56 yards on six attempts. With an 11.2 passing average and a 9.3 rushing average, the explosion was on full display.
Richardson did have one interception that took place in the red zone. However, this interception came via his receiver slipping and falling and thus caused the pass to go straight to the defender. While this blemish will be on his record, it was not Richardson’s fault. He was also 50% on third-down conversions which is good, but obviously not good enough to get the win. It should also be noted that the team started 0-3 on third downs, but finished going 5-7. This showcases efficiency within the offense which starts and ends with Richardson. While this Week 1 loss stings, it should instill confidence in the Colts’ young quarterback.
Pressure On CJ Stroud
One of the few bright spots on this Colts’ defense in week one was their ability to get pressure on second-year passer CJ Stroud. Indy finished with four sacks and 10 hits on Stroud. This helped disrupt some of his passes and put them behind the chains. The one big caveat with this bright spot, though, is the fact that this pressure ended up costing the Colts in run defense as they gave up 213 rushing yards. This blemish ended up being their demise as, once Houston got the lead, they never relinquished it and continued to run the ball and eat the clock.
The reason why getting pressure on Stroud is being highlighted is because this could be a sign of better things to come. There is no question that, if a defense can get pressure on a quarterback, it is a big key to their success. For the Colts, though, they will have to learn to implement getting good pressure that translates into also stopping the run. Both elements have to work in tandem for the defense to have success.
Colts Unlocked Alex Pierce in Week 1
One of the biggest breakout playmakers from Sunday’s game was third-year wide receiver Alec Pierce. After having much of the offseason surrounded by criticism about his ability, Pierce shut all of that down. On Sunday, he finished with three receptions for 125 yards which led the team. He also scored the first touchdown in the game on a 60-yard bomb from Richardson. Pierce also had a 57-yard reception that set up a touchdown to get them within two points. The question was whether Richardson could unlock Pierce this season as a deep threat. After what was displayed on Sunday, Pierce can be a go-to guy for explosive plays down the field. The Colts just need to throw the ball his way when he gets down the field.
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