Few things say it’s a big game more than when it’s in prime time, your opponent is your most hated rival, and there is not only a chance to secure an outright lead in your division but any other advantages in the playoff implications that come up at season’s end.
The Indianapolis Colts had all of that at stake and then some before falling short against the Houston Texans, 20-17. Thursday night’s affair once again came down to the last minute, and this time the Texans (7-4) outlasted the Colts (6-5) and ended their three-game losing streak against Indy.
Here are five takeaways:
Watson finally gains an edge on the Colts defense
Entering Thursday night, quarterback Deshaun Watson was struggling against the Colts. Across the board, the Clemson product was seeing negatives that included a decline in his overall numbers, being pressured at a higher rate and losing three consecutive games against them.
Although the Colts had their moments against Watson on Thursday night, it wasn’t the same as before. The MVP candidate produced greater success in Week 12 as his athleticism and timely throws resulted in 298 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and just one sack surrendered.
Minus the successful blitzes by the Colts defense, they couldn’t get close enough to actually pressure Watson while also limiting his effectiveness as a runner.
The running game lives on with Williams
More than likely, there was some concern among Colts fans about the running game not being as good without starter Marlon Mack, who suffered a fractured hand last Sunday, but that would go away with each run by Jonathan Williams on Thursday night.
The fourth-year running back followed his Week 11 performance of 116 rushing yards with another one against the Texans to the tune of 104 rushing yards and one touchdown. There wasn’t a single run that couldn’t be handled by Williams since he showed similar patience and quickness on the edge like Mack and led the Colts offense all game.
Big play after big play was accomplished by Texans receivers
Even though it’s common knowledge to know the Texans have a very solid group of receivers — including arguably the best at this position — it doesn’t take away from the fact the Colts’ defense managed to slow them down in their previous three victories starting last season. So something had to change, right?
Well, it did on Thursday and it wasn’t great for the Colts. Unlike their previous matchups, the receiving duo of DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller IV were consistently winning their one-on-one battles — both inside and outside — and it resulted in one heck of a night for them.
As Hopkins lived in the Colts’ end zone via his two receiving touchdowns, Fuller was a common sight deep in the Indy secondary since he caught seven passes for 140 yards.
Brissett never found his rhythm (and trust)
As someone as who’s been a big believer in Jacoby Brissett, I must say this: His latest performance against the Texans is the worst he’s played this entire season. Besides his mediocre numbers (16 of 25, 129 passing yards and a 40.8 passer rating), we saw a lack of confidence and execution by Brissett.
While some will point to coach Frank Reich and his staff for their heavy reliance on the running game, it doesn’t mean Brissett is off the hook. He had his share of opportunities to throw the ball downfield and give his receivers chances to make a play.
But instead, Brissett was hesitant in taking those deep shots against the Texans’ suspect secondary, while also missing on easier throws within five to 10 yards.
A very rough outing for Colts receivers
Nine targets. Four catches. Thirty receiving yards. Zero touchdowns. Folks, that was the final combined stat line of the Colts wide receivers on Thursday night. I don’t have much to say other than that kind of production, especially in a big game against your rival’s suspect secondary, is downright unacceptable.
Ranging from T.Y. Hilton’s two random drops to the lack of separation from their defenders, the Colts wide receiver group has to be embarrassed by this performance. Simply put, amends must be made and they can’t do this ever again.
