Official Texans @ Colts Game Thread, 1/8/2023

[Warren]

This game needs to be dedicated to evaluating the Driskel/Burkhead backfield. If they want to work Mills in as a WR, that's fine, because the tradeoff of taking an actual athlete off the field is well worth it when you can surprise the defense with a look that you've shown for a few weeks now. But it's time to let Jeff cook.

[Keith]

Inactives

WR Phillip Dorsett (hamstring)
CB Steven Nelson (illness)
OL Jimmy Morrissey (concussion)
TE O.J. Howard (hip)
DL Thomas Booker
QB Kyle Allen

Not sure the nature of Nelson's illness, but his absence will be felt the most. He's been out for the illness all week and didn't make the trip. Nelson is under contract for next season, as he signed a 2-year deal for a reported $10 million last April.

[Keith]

Texans receive, touchback.

First play of the game goes 33 yards to Brandin Cooks. So much for the tank. Jordan Akins gets 15 to the IND 23 two plays later. 9 yards to Teagan Quitoriano, who is back from injury. Davis Mills then finds a wide open Cooks in the back of the endzone for the 11-yd touchdown.

Extra point is good. 75 yard opening drive. Can't recall the last time the Texans opened a game like this.

Texans 7, Colts 0
11:17 1st quarter

As if going 2-13-1 isn't a fireable offense, winning today might be.

[Keith]

Texans kick.

FUMBLE!

Texans M.J. St4ewart recovered a fumble dislodged by a Colts player on the return. I mean, which team is tanking today?

Offense back out on the IND 18. Loses yards. Ka'imi Fairbairn makes the 37-yard field goal.

Texans 10, Colts 0
9:40 1st

[Keith]

Ok, got some lunch... catching up.

Colts respond, QB Sam Ehlinger with an 11-play touchdown drive covering 75 yards in 5:44, culminating in a 1-yd completion to an open Michael Pittman. Somebody blew a coverage.

Texans move the ball 30 yards in their next drive, but it stalls near midfield. Cam Johnston punts to the IND 9.

First quarter closes as the Colts move backwards 7 yards when the Christain boys (Harris and Kirksey) split a sack. Colts punt from the back of their endzone, returned to the IND 46 by Desmond King.

Texans drive to the IND 21, but RB Royce Freeman fumbles after a 7-yard carry to the 14. Ehlinger's first pass though is...

INTERCEPTED!

LB Jonathan Greenard picks off the pass and returns it 39 yards for the pick six. Kick is good.

Texans 17, Colts 7
10:30 2nd quarter

[Keith]

Colts begin on their own 22 following the kickoff. 2nd year RB Deon Jackson gets involved, 7-yd carry then a 6-yd carry before Ehlinger finds him for 17 to midfield. On 4th and 3, Ehlinger goes back to Jackson for a short pass to the left sideline that he runs for 27 yards.

INTERCEPTED

The Colts drive is abruptly ended when Kirksey steps in the throwing lane to pick off Ehlinger at the Texans 2, returning it to the 20.

17-7
4:46 left in the half.

Bears down 0-16. Woof.

[Keith]

RB Dare Ogunbowale gets 11 yards up the left side to the 29. Mills connects with Quitoriano for 22 across the 50. Two minute warning. Completion to Chris Moore is reviewed and upheld, 10 yard gain to the IND 38.

Short pass to Ogunbowale is snuffed out easily by the defense, loses 5 yards. Drive stalls, poochy punt goes to IND 7.

Colts have 1:32 left in the half to do something. Jackson takes the first down carry 13 yards, then Ehlinger goes back to him for 5-yard and 4-yard completions. Drive stalls at the 40 when Maliek Collins drops Ehlinger for a sack. Time expires on a 3rd and 3.

Texans 17, Colts 7
Halftime

In a game where Lovie Smith is maybe coaching for his next job, he has Rex Burkhead with 0 carries and 0 receptions (on one target). If he ever gets another job, he should be forced to take Pep and Rex with him.