Houston Texans: 5 Key Takeaways from Thursday night’s win
After a grueling 20-17 victory by the Houston Texans against the division rival Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football, what have we learned?
With only five games on the schedule remaining, this is the most critical stretch of games the team has faced all season. Despite the W in a must-win game for the Houston Texans, it’s difficult to remain 100-percent confident going into the toughest game of the year against New England in Week 13.
The Texans were able to pull through in crunch time and escape with the division lead against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, yet undoubtedly received little help from a questionable non-fumble call. Coming off a debilitating 41-7 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, a win was necessary to save not only the team’s standing but also their confidence.
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With a QB that hasn’t lost a game by more than one score in his entire NFL career, a bounce-back was expected.
Deshaun Watson continues his fringe MVP-contending pace with two critical touchdown passes to DeAndre Hopkins, finishing with 298 yards, one interception, and a 104.6 QB rating. However, the offense as a whole had room for improvement. A retooled secondary, including newly acquired Vernon Hargreaves III and Gareon Conley, held down the fort against Jacoby Brissett, presenting a much stronger performance than in their Week 7 loss.
Without J.J. Watt cementing the defensive line, Indy was able to run all over the field without their star RB Marlon Mack, leaving additional question marks on that front. Will the team be able to get over their dreaded playoff hump by the year’s end?
Will they be able to hold off their division rivals and remain in position for home-field advantage? Here are five takeaways after watching the Week 12 tilt and victory by the Texans.