Texans continue to struggle on offense in Week 13 loss to Colts

Week 13 was another Houston Texans game showing how a rebuild takes a very long time. This current rebuild being masterminded by General Manager Nick Caserio has a long way to go as the Texans lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 31-0.

It isn’t the fact the Texans lost for the 10th time this season, or the fact they have only two wins overall, but it is the play calling being so bad, and the lack of scoring points that is tough to watch.

The offensive play of the Texans saw an appearance from rookie quarterback Davis Mills, replacing Tyrod Taylor, but neither quarterback passed for 50 yards, and the leading rusher was Rex Burkhead who had eight carries for 30 yards.

At quarterback in the second half Mills was 6-of-14 for 49 yards passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. He averaged 3.5 yards per completion. Taylor – who started the game under center – was 5-of-13 for 45 yards, also having 3.5 yards per completion average with no touchdowns and one interception.

Both Houston quarterbacks were each sacked twice in the Week 13 loss, so it is safe to say neither QB is saving the season in 2021.

If you thought those numbers were tough to read, well it gets better.

At one point in the game with the Texans trailing by 20-plus points, on third-and-8 the play call by offensive coordinator Tim Kelly was a run up the middle with Burkhead. “That’s smart,” and the rush gained the Texans two yards and a fourth down situation. That is where the offensive play calling is at 13 weeks into the season.

Wasn’t there any other play whatsoever to call in that situation? The Colts had to be on the other side laughing like they were watching a comedy, and in some way, they were because the offense in this game was a comedy of errors.

Besides they 30 yards from Burkhead to lead the team in rushing, wide receiver Brandin Cooks had one run for 16 yards, and Taylor had three rushes for 15 yards. Mills even was in on the fun with two rushes for 11 yards.

In all the Texans had six players combine for 19 carries for 84 yards in four quarters of football. Houston’s leading receiver was Cooks with three receptions for 38 yards.

Texans defense did their best in first half vs. Colts

At times in this game the defense kept the Texans close as they held the Colts to 14 points in the first half, with one touchdown in each quarter. Indianapolis added another touchdown in the third quarter, and 10 points in the fourth quarter.

Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was 16-of-22 for 158 yards with one touchdown. He didn’t need to do much because Jonathan Taylor was doing most of the work as the running back finished with 32 carries for 143 yards with two touchdowns. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry and his best rush went for 16 yards. As a team the Colts rushed for 238 yards on 48 yards with three touchdowns.

A positive for the Texans is with Zach Cunningham ruled out for this game due to a team decision, the linebacker who showcased his ability to be a top player was Kamu Grugier-Hill with 20 total tackles (10 solo) and one sack. Three of his tackles were for a loss, which is great to see in a game like this.

Again, this loss keeps the Texans closer to gaining a Top 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft as their 2-10 overall record leaves only the Detroit Lions ahead of them as the worst team in all of pro football.