Fansided

Surprises and demises at the NFL quarter pole

By Russell S. Baxter

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 04: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans talks with head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 04: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans talks with head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Surprise: Indianapolis Colts’ defense

They are allowing a league-low 14 points per game and have permitted the fewest total yards and passing yards in the NFL this season. The Indianapolis Colts are a different football team these days, especially on offense with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers doing just enough to get the job done. But Matt Eberflus’ unit has been superb this year and it’s been a real surprise given the way the team finished in 2019, allowing 31-plus points in four of their final five contests. “We really believe we’re the best defense playing this game right now,” said defensive end Justin Houston (via ESPN’s Mike Wells). The Colts have allowed a combined 29 points in their last three outings.

Demise: Houston Texans

This is obviously a no-brainer as earlier this week (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop), head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien was relieved of his duties. The Texans are off to 0-4 start, this after winning the AFC South each of the past two seasons and four of the previous five years. In 2018, the club overcame losing its first three games to become only the sixth team in NFL history to reach the playoffs after opening 0-3. Houston’s offense has been all Deshaun Watson (sacked 16 times) and no support from the league’s worst running game. The defense has struggled the last few seasons and is surrendering an NFL-high 181.8 yards per game rushing. It’s going to be a long climb back.

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