Fansided

Colts at Texans: 3 things we learned

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) passes towards the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) passes towards the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indianapolis Colts thought they had the Houston Texans where they wanted them. Oops. Here are three takeaways from that contest.

Just when it appeared that the Indianapolis Colts were going to make it four straight wins at Houston, Bill O’Brien’s squad came virtually out of nowhere. Down 23-9 midway through the final quarter, the Houston Texans staged quite the rally and escaped with a 26-23 overtime win.

The win kept O’Brien’s team perfect at home this season (4-0) and within the division (2-0). Meanwhile, the Colts fell to an AFC South rival for the second time in three weeks.

So what did we learn about both clubs on Sunday evening?

1. Brock Osweiler was clutch

Shaky would be an understatement to describe the first-half performance of the highly-paid free-agent addition. The most noise made in Houston was the crowd booing their young quarterback.

But Osweiler finally got into rhythm late and made some big-time throws in the fourth quarter and overtime. A player that appeared to lack confidence got hot when it really counted.

2. Colts offensive line starting to emerge

You will remember this offseason that Colts general manager Ryan Grigson spent four draft choices on help for the offensive line. That included a first-round pick on former University of Alabama center Ryan Kelly.

More on FanSided:

Youth has been served up front and against the Texans, veteran running back Frank Gore gained over 100 yards on the ground. While quarterback Andrew Luck was sacked three times, the young performers are certainly making strides.

3. Texans defense with mixed results

Romeo Crennel’s unit buckled down for the most part in the second half but a so-so Indianapolis running attack, thanks to Gore and Andrew Luck, managed to total 161 yards on 32 carries. All told, the Texans allowed 392 yards of total offense.

More fansided.com: NFL Week 6: Staff Picks and Predictions

But the good news was that this unit settled down in the final quarter and overtime and wound up with three sacks and an interception of Luck. But there’s some issues here.

Home/Houston Texans