Three keys for Texans defense to beat Colts.
Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) warms up before a game against the Washington Redskins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Texans are a little banged up, emotionally drained after a heart wrenching over time loss to the Dallas Cowboys just three short days ago. And now they face their main AFC rival, the Indianapolis Colts. The defense must win this game for the Texans. J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and the rest need to stand up and deliver one hell’va performance Thursday. The defenses success will start with the offense performance. Here are your three keys for the Texans defense to beat the Colts.
1. Not playing.
That’s right, the more the defense is on the field, the more likely the Colts are to waltz out of NRG with sole lead of the AFC South. The defense has been as a whole pretty amazingly fun to watch. However it has to wear down a teams morale watching hard earned turnovers lead to no points, to three and outs, to failure. Keeping Luck OFF the field as well as the Texans defense is the number one key to winning this game.
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2. Secondary.
Luck, will destroy a defense that lets someone slip over the top. The Texans have done that a few times this year. The secondary must hold the receivers down in check long enough for the front line to make it to Luck. They can do it, but they cannot rely on the fortune of turnovers Thursday night. Patience will be rewarded. Luck starts getting pressured, there are no running lanes for him to escape and the coverage is tight that’s when he throws pics.
3. Anyone but Watt.
J.J. Watt, demi-god of the Texans defense and all around great guy can’t win this game by himself. I’ve been harping on this all season, and Thursday’s match up will require someone to get it done. Teams are going to double team, hold, tackle and whatever else they have too to stop Watt. Reed, Cushing, Mercilus, Crick anyone? Someone? Needs to take advantage of this and get to Luck. Heck I think it’s worth taking a few risky shots at Luck just to disrupt the offense. Pour the linebackers in behind Watt once or twice and see what happens. Sure they might get off a pass, or break off a good run. Chances are though someone will get free and make it to Luck.
The Texans can beat the Colts. Of this I am certain, however it’s going to require some things we’ve not seen from this team to do it. The offense will have fire on all cylinders, the defense will have to make the Colts pay for the attention given Watt and the Secondary cannot blow coverage for the entire game.
Do that, and the Texans win.
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