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Houston Texans: 3 Things to watch for against the Colts

By Andrew Novakowski

Houston Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills (10) hands off the ball to running back Rex Burkhead (28) during their game against the Colts on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at NRG Stadium in Houston.Indianapolis Colts Versus Houston Texans On Sunday Dec 5 2021 At Nrg Stadium In Houston Texas
Houston Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills (10) hands off the ball to running back Rex Burkhead (28) during their game against the Colts on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at NRG Stadium in Houston.Indianapolis Colts Versus Houston Texans On Sunday Dec 5 2021 At Nrg Stadium In Houston Texas /
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The Houston Texans play against division rival, Indianapolis Colts, this coming weekend to kickoff the 2022 NFL season. The Colts and Texans are bitter rivals, but the Texans lost both games last season against the Colts, and the Texans want this win badly.

The Colts are stacked with former Super Bowl contender Matt Ryan and last season’s rushing leader Johnathan Taylor, who destroys the Texans. This year could be special if they can pull off their first win against the division favorite for the AFC South.

Houston has upgraded big time since last year, meaning Houston fans are eager to see the new-look team. Since last season was the first year of the rebuild, fans expect a significant upgrade with all the recent additions and coaching staff, but what should we watch for against a top-tier contender?

With the Texans facing the Colts this Sunday here are 3 Things to Watch for in Week 1.

Texans
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Can the Texans slow down Jonathan Taylor?

The fifth-ranked player on the NFL Top 100 list entering the 2022 season — which was ranked by the players — Jonathan Taylor is terrifying. Taylor dominated the Texans last season, having some historical games. Those two games against Houston included 145 yards and two touchdowns on Oct. 17 and 143 yards and two touchdowns on Dec. 5.

Taylor has 75 carries for 462 yards — and has scored six touchdowns — in four games versus Houston in his career. The Texans have to figure something out to have a chance to win against the Colts.

Ranked dead last in defending the run last season is difficult to swallow. Houston’s defense has improved leaps and bounds with the additions made and drafted. Houston added Jake Hansen, Kurt Hinish, Jalen Pitre, Steven Nelson, Christian Harris, Mario Addison, Rasheem Green, and Nevile Hewitt to the defense.

Most of the guys have looked fantastic this preseason and training camp, so if they can help Johnathan Greenard and the rest of the unit, they will have a much-improved run defense compared to last season.

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