The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts both entered week three facing their own respective "must-win" situations after each team began the year 0-2.
In a battle of an ailing Texans offense and the league's worst defense, something had to give in Sunday's AFC South showdown. Unfortunately for Houston, the offense yet again failed to make the trip from the team hotel before the game (at least in the first half).
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley and co. produced an all-time stinker if the first half against the Colts, as the unit was responsible for three punts, three sacks of quarterback C.J. Stroud and yet another fourth-and-short play call that resulted in a turnover on downs because of an ill-conceived--and downright stubborn--decision to try and run the football to the right side of the offensive line. Predictably, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and safety Camryn Bynum helped to stonewall the effort, which allowed the Colts a shorter field to work with at the time.
As a result, the team faced a 13-7 halftime deficit against a Colts offense that went into the game missing star receiver Alec Pierce due to a heel injury.
Even after halftime, Caley's offense could put the pedal to the metal against Indy's defense, as multiple missed opportunities and inefficient play plagued the unit.
However, after a would-be comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, Houston's defense allowed Jones and his offense to walk down the field and score the game winning field goal and secure their first victory of their season 19-17.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts scoring play-by-play
First Quarter (Colts take a 3-0 lead after a 39-yard field goal)
- On 4th & 13 from Houston's 21 yard line, Colts kicker Spencer Shrader nailed a 39-yard field goal to give the Colts a 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter (Texans get outscored 10-7 in the quarter, leading to a 13-7 halftime deficit)
- To cap off a 12-play, 69-yard scoring drive, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones hit wide receiver Keenan Allen for a six-yard touchdown pass to give Indy a 10-0 lead.
- Responding with a 12-play, 68-yard scoring drive of their own, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud floated a one-yard pass to tight end Foster Moreau at Indy's goal line to close the gap 10-7.
Halftime score: Houston Texans trail Indianapolis Colts 13-7
Fourth Quarter (Colts extend their lead to 16-7 after another field goal)
- Another lengthy scoring drive bit Houston's defense in the butt, leading to another Shrader field goal from 37 yards away to give Indy a 16-7 lead.
- Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn finally made an impact on the game, launching a 24-yard field goal through the uprights to close the gap 16-10.
- For the first time since the second quarter, Houston's offense reached the end zone. After All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. strip sacked Jones to give the offense the opportunity, Stroud led his unit 54 yards in seven plays to give the Texans the lead. The scoring play was on a handoff to running back Woody Marks from one yard out for the 17-16 lead.
- Houston's lead didn't last long, as the Colts went six plays and 29 yards within the final minute of the game to kick the eventual game winning field goal from 53 yards out to take a 19-17 lead.
Final Result: Houston Texans lose 19-17 to the Indianapolis Colts
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