The Houston Texans eked out a thrilling 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, anchored by C.J. Stroud’s 285-yard passing game and Joe Mixon’s powerful 102-yard ground performance. With this victory, the Texans (6-2) extended their lead in the AFC South, bouncing back from last week’s struggles to secure a hard-fought division win. The defense also shined, pressuring Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson all game, securing a season sweep against Indianapolis for only the second time in franchise history.
A Game of Highs and Lows: Texans’ Resilient Defense and Stroud’s Redemption
After a tough outing last week with only 86 passing yards against the Packers, Stroud returned with confidence, racking up 285 yards and one touchdown, guiding Houston’s offense with poise. While he spread the ball around effectively, his favorite target was Tank Dell, who connected with Stroud on a clutch touchdown pass just before halftime to put Houston up 17-10.
But it wasn’t just Stroud; the Texans’ defense brought relentless pressure to Colts QB Anthony Richardson. Here’s how they kept him contained:
- Five sacks on Richardson
- Eight additional QB hits
- Interception by safety Jalen Pitre near the end of the first half
This defensive performance kept the Colts offense on its toes, forcing Richardson into quick decisions and limiting his opportunities to find open receivers.
Heartbreak for Indianapolis: Richardson’s Rough Day and Odeyingbo’s Wiped-Out Touchdown
For Indianapolis, the afternoon was a mix of promise and frustration. Richardson, though managing a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs, struggled with consistency. Finishing 10 of 32 for 175 yards, he was plagued by sacks and constant defensive harassment, ultimately fumbling on the game’s final play to seal the Texans’ win.
The Colts’ biggest heartbreak, though, was defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo’s 84-yard fumble return that was initially ruled a touchdown in the game’s final minutes. The excitement was short-lived, however, as officials reviewed and ruled that he had been down by contact, erasing the score and ultimately costing Indianapolis a crucial lead.
Texans Face Injury Setbacks Despite the Win
While Houston came out on top, the team didn’t escape the game unscathed. Notably, star receiver Stefon Diggs, acquired in a trade from Buffalo, left the game with a non-contact knee injury late in the third quarter. Diggs had been productive, recording five catches for 81 yards before being sidelined.
Additionally:
- Jarrett Patterson (LT): Left with a concussion
- Calen Bullock (S): Suffered a shoulder injury
- Nico Collins (WR): Missed the game due to prior injuries
With their next game on Thursday against the Jets, the Texans will be hoping these players recover swiftly, as Diggs has quickly become a central part of their offensive scheme.
Celebrating a Legacy: Andre Johnson’s Hall of Fame Ceremony
During halftime, Texans fans had a special moment as Andre Johnson, the first player in franchise history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was honored with his Hall of Fame ring. Johnson spent 12 seasons with the Texans, making an indelible mark on the organization and fans alike. Speaking to the crowd, Johnson said, “Me making the Hall of Fame wasn’t just about me, it was about this whole city.”
Johnson’s acknowledgment of Houston was a reminder of the city’s deep football ties, and his ceremony brought added excitement to an already intense game. His legacy undoubtedly added inspiration for the team as they held off a determined Colts comeback to claim the win.
