Houston Texans slot receiver Keke Coutee didn’t play much in his 2018 rookie season; but, when he did, opponents felt it. Specifically, the Indianapolis Colts.
The former Texas Tech Red Raider compiled 22 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown in two combined games against the Colts in 2018, one in the regular season, the other in the playoffs. Is Coutee in-store for another big game for Sunday’s tilt in Indy?
Yes.
Though Kenny Stills should be making his return on Sunday, Coutee should be a factor against the Colts on Sunday. While Stills’ presence will take away snaps, Coutee is increasingly more comfortable in the Texans offense, particularly when working out of the slot.
On Sunday, Coutee should see his fair amount of snaps as an option to beat the Colts’ second-level blitzes — which Indianapolis effectively used often against Houston in 2018. He has chemistry with Deshaun Watson in that area, and it’s shown as of late; Watson uses Coutee as his “hot” read often.
Coutee will make a difference in beating the blitz. He will do the same in outright running routes out of the slot. Why? The Colts’ best slot defender, cornerback Kenny Moore, is out. That would leave Quincy Wilson as the nickel back, who has allowed a 125.7 passer rating in coverage in 2019.
Expect Coutee — who has 10 receptions for 129 yards in 2019 — to have his 2019 breakout game against the team he did the same with in 2018.
Coutee has shown, in the past, the ability to splice the Indianapolis defense, has growing chemistry with Watson as a quick-read and will have an ideal matchup. The stars are aligned for a big-time performance on Sunday.
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