Official Texans @ Colts Game Thread, 10/20/2019
 

The 4-2 Texans are on the road again to Indianapolis to play an early Sunday game against the 3-2 Colts. The Colts are coming off their bye week and should be well rested. The Texans are coming off a 31-24 road win over the KC Chiefs.

The Texans are 8-26 all time vs. the Colts (0-1 in the playoffs) but 4-4 over the last 4 years. The Texans are 4-2 ATS, the Colts are 4-1 ATS.

This will be the Texans biggest test, yet, as it is tough to win two road games in a row in the NFL. They can make a statement with a win. However, I'm not feeling it. I've got the Colts winning by a field goal.

Colts 24, Texans 21

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TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon CST, Sunday, 10/20/2019

Announcers = Greg Gumbel, Trent Green

The line = Pickem to Colts by 1

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Other Sunday viewing in the Houston area:

FOX (early) = Arizona @ NY Giants, Kenny Albert, Greg Olsen

FOX (late) = New Orleans @ Chicago, Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman

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Prime time:

TNF = Kansas City @ Denver (FOX/NFLN)

SNF = Philadelphia @ Dallas (NBC)

MNF = New England @ NY Jets (ESPN)

Byes: Carolina, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay

Which means on a neutral field, Vegas says this is Houston by 2. Maybe we get lucky and Frank Lloyd Reich decides to go for it on 4th down from his own end of the field again - one of last year's stupidest calls.

IIRC, we haven't beaten Brisket yet - whether as a Colt or a Patriot.

ESPN has another great matchup this week for Monday Night. Darnold Duck has recovered from mono and is now back to playing in stereo. The refs, fresh off their winning the game for Aaron Rodgers last Monday will make sure the Jets have no chance against Brady, if it's even necessary.

Ya know, I was looking at how the Raiders went into Indianapolis and pulled off the upset:

1. Raiders QB Derek Carr had no INT's but did fumble once. The Colts turned it over twice - a Brissett INT and WR Parris Campbell fumbled.

2. The Raiders had a 30-yard pick 6 on the Brissett INT.

3. The Raiders had a 60-yard TD run from RB Trevor Davis.

4. TY Hilton DNP.

5. Time of possession went to the Raiders 33:41 to the Colts 26:19.

OTOH, the Raiders (of course) had 11 penalties for 80 yards giving the Colts 4 first downs from penalty.

So, there's the blueprint.....

That's how the Raiders did it, but their whole season reveals a simple blueprint.

In the Colts 3 wins they have after 1 quarter lead every time. In their 2 losses they trail after the 1st every time.

They can't throw the ball. They can run the ball. They can rush the passer. Lead after the 1st quarter and you win.

My goodness, the Astros certainly had Minute Maid Park rockin' last night. After Osuna gave everyone a Lidge/Pujols moment (reminding everyone that they still live in Houston), Jose Altuve sent everyone home with a grin on their face.

Congratulations, Astros, on heading to another World Series!

Gametime in about 2 hrs, 20 minutes.....

Gametime!

Colts win the toss and defer. Texans to receive.

Texans get to about midfield and then have to punt.

Punt is downed at the Colt 6 yard line. Colts ball.

10:00 left in the 1st qtr.

Colts drive for 94 yards and Brissett hits Pascal for the 6 yard TD.

Colts 7, Texans 0

5:01 left in the 1st qtr.

Texans stop the Colts on 4th and 1!

Texan's ball at the Colt 45.

13:04 left in the half.

Fairbairn is good from 47 yards.

Colts 7, Texans 3

8:59 left in the half.


Texans with 6 penalties for 35 yards, Colts with zero.

Colts with 2 first downs from penalty.

Colts with a penalty! Holding!

Turnover! Brissett bobbles the snap and the Texans fall on it at the Colt 4 yard line! Texans ball!

Wow, Texans get hosed on TD pass to Hop. Watson is ruled in the grasp.

Texans have to settle for the 31-yard Fairbairn FG.

Colts 7, Texans 6

6:25 left in the half.

Colts drive down and Brissett hits TY Hilton for a 2 yard TD.

Colts 14, Texans 6

1:49 left in the half.

Texans put a quick drive together and have to settle for a 26-yard FG by Fairbairn.

Colts 14, Texans 9

27 seconds left in the half.

Colts take the 2nd half kickoff and drive down and score on a 4-yard pass to Ebron. Initially ruled incomplete but overturned on replay.

Colts 21, Texans 9

10:29 left in the 3rd qtr.

Big pass play to Stills has the Texans knocking on the door again.... 45 yards.

Pitchout to Coutee goes for the TD, 4 yards.

Colts 21, Texans 16

8:43 left in the 3rd qtr.

Penalties aid the Colts in a time consuming drive. Pascal takes the shovel pass for the 3-yard TD.

Colts 28, Texans 16

1:14 left in the 3rd qtr.

Texans have a quick drive right when they need it and Watson hits Hop for the 4-yard TD pass.

Colts 28, Texans 23

6:38 left in the game.

Defense, pretty please with a cherry on top?

The Texans hold the Colts but are now backed up.

The Texans go 3 and out and take a safety instead of punting.

Colts 30, Texans 23.

The Colts bring the ensuing kickoff back to about their 20.

Colts face 2nd and 12 at the 2 minute warning.

Texans with 2 timeouts.

Colts have to punt with 1:49 left in the game.

Texans with no timeouts.

Gaines shaken up on the play....

Texans with the ball at their 36.

1:17 left in the game.

False start on Texans causes a 10 second run off.

3rd and 9 with 59 seconds left....

Pass to Akins goes to midfield, 1st down.

Pass goes off the hands of Coutee and into the hands of Leonard for an INT.

Play is under review....

Colt's ball.

Colts kneel it.

Final score:

Colts 30, Texans 23