T.J. Yates’ Keys to Success Against Indianapolis

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (6) rolls out during game against the New York Jets the at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Eliminate Turnovers

This may seem like an obvious one, but this may be the most important thing this week. In some games, you can afford to turn the ball over a few times and still come out with a victory. This week is different.

Texans-Colts brings us a matchup of two offenses that have flirted with the word ‘stagnant’ at times this season. The Texans are coming off of a 189-total-yard performance against the Patriots, and had a six-week stretch back in October and November where they failed to top 100 yards rushing as a team in any game. On the other side, the Colts have not topped 100 yards rushing in four straight weeks.

Both offenses rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of points and yards per game, and each one is hoping that their defense can give them a victory this week, and that means turnovers. The Colts are almost certain to find a way to give Houston the ball, as they rank last in the league in offensive turnovers. Any game in which they’ve turned the ball over, they’ve given it away at least twice.

Houston has given the ball away only 16 times compared to Indianapolis’ 27, and they’ll need to hold on tight to it this week. This game will be a game of field position and defense, which means there’s no need for the offense to take risks to push the ball down the field. Punting away and playing the field-position game, as unexciting as it may be, is the team’s best bet for victory.

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