The league’s best offense versus the league’s best defense.
That’s a game that’s bound to have some fireworks, and the Colts’ Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday did not disappoint. It was exciting, it was intense and it was high-stakes, with the Colts trying to keep firm hold of their first-place spot in the AFC.
It wasn’t the prettiest game, with both teams struggling to stay consistent offensively, and the Colts were ultimately unable to get the better of the Texans defense, losing 20-16 and falling to 8-4 on the season.
The Colts punted on all three first-quarter possessions, able to record just one first down. Daniel Jones was sacked once, and Jonathan Taylor had four carries for 23 yards as the Colts felt the intensity of the Texans defense early. They possessed the ball for just over five minutes, while the Texans held the ball for nine minutes and 30 seconds.
The Texans did score just one field goal in the first quarter, but the 13-play, 64-yard drive took just over six minutes off the clock. Grover Stewart had a crucial pass breakup to force the field goal, and on the Texans’ following possession defensive tackle Chris Wormley sacked C.J. Stroud for a loss of nine yards to force a punt.
Sauce Gardner sustained a calf injury in the first quarter and did not return.