The Indianapolis Colts had the opportunity to take the lead in the AFC South if they had come away with a victory against the Houston Texans yesterday. It was also an opportunity for the Colts to win two straight games for the first time this season. Yet, this would not be an easy win for the Colts. The Texans had not lost a home game coming into this Sunday Night Football matchup. Furthermore, since their other two AFC South foes Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans both won their week six games, both the Texans and Colts needed a win. Now let’s take a look at the recap of this game and the Indianapolis Colts week six takeaways.
Indianapolis Colts Week Six Takeaways
Game Recap
The Colts got off to a hot start in this game, as they were able to take their most comfortable lead of the season into halftime. With a 13-3 lead, it looked like the Colts might have a comfortable victory for the first time this season. Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler struggled with his accuracy throughout the first three quarters. Most of the offense, up until the fourth quarter, came from Texans running back Lamar Miller. He would compile more than 175 total yards and two touchdowns, including the game tying score. However, Colts running back Frank Gore provided steady offense on the ground as well. Gore rushed for 106 yards, which made him the first Colts running back to rush for more than 100 yards in a single game since 2012. Both running backs made for an exciting fourth quarter. The Colts led 23-9 at one point. That would not keep the Texans down. They were able to score 14 points in under six minutes to bring the game into overtime. Texans kicker Nick Novak would hit the game winning field goal on the second possession of overtime to seal the game.
Frank Gore is Very Reliable
Gore was the first running back to rush for more than 100 yards for the Colts in more than 50 games. The Colts running game as a whole looked better. They compiled over 160 yards and one touchdown on the ground, averaging five yards per carry. Through six games, Gore has over 400 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He is also averaging a steady 4.3 yards per carry. Considering the poor play of the Colts offensive line this season, Gore’s production looks that much more impressive. If the Colts could carry a solid lead into the fourth quarter, then Gore will have the opportunity to get much more work.
The Offensive Line is Starting to Improve
The Colts offensive line looks like they might be finding some consistency under the direction of rookie center Ryan Kelly. They held the NFL’s best pass rushing defense at bay for most of the game. The left side of the line, featuring Anthony Castonzo and rookie Joe Haeg, did well against the Texans pass rush. Right guard Denzell Good sealed the edge in the running game very effectively. If the offensive line can keep improving on a game-to-game basis, one of the biggest problems for the Colts could be diagnosed.
Injuries are Still a Major Problem
Injuries have hit the Colts hard this season. The secondary and receivers have been hit harder than anyone. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief is still out with a shoulder problem. Furthermore, cornerback Darius Butler played yesterday with a broken hand, and had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter with more injury issues. Three of the safeties would have to be helped off the field as well. Mike Adams, Clayton Geathers, and T.J. Green all experienced injury issues at some point in the game. Receivers Phillip Dorsett and Quan Bray were also both injured in the second half and would not return to the game. Tight end Dwayne Allen did not finish the game either. Between all of the injuries and inconsistent play, the Colts are “too soft to even win the AFC South”, according to ESPN’s Mike Wells.
Up next for the Colts is the Tennessee Titans next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. They will look to improve to 3-4, and stay within reach of the division title.
