I think Thursday night games play much more in favor of offenses, hence that 3 of the 4 games this year have had a team score 40+. That would play to the Colts advantage since they are much more capable. This Texans team has to win games by grinding it out, making big plays (i.e. JJ pick six), and forcing turnovers. We just played a very physical game and our defense is sure to be tired. Not to mention JJ looks banged up. Long story short, I am not optimistic. I think this team has some grit so they can make any game interesting, but I'm worried that those redzone turnovers that we've been forcing are going to turn into scores and we give up 30+.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Be in your seats early Thursday for Pink Out fan card stunt pres. by <a href="https://twitter.com/kroger">@Kroger</a> just before kickoff! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans4BCA?src=hash">#Texans4BCA</a> <a href="http://t.co/QKgGeNO1mw">pic.twitter.com/QKgGeNO1mw</a></p>— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/519547761742458880">October 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Was about to lay money on the Colts, but now that I see y'all are doing a pink-out, sponsored by none other than Kroger, I will revise my stance.
Something under-appreciated about this matchup is that the Colts are only +1 in turnover differential despite averaging 2 forced turnovers a game and having Andrew Luck at QB. Luck BTW is tied with Fitz in interceptions with 6, averaging just over 1 per game. The Colts are bad about turning the ball over and the Texans are the best at forcing turnovers, that could be a factor on Thursday.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bill O'Brien on Brian Cushing & Arian Foster:"As we stand here today it looks like those guys are good to go" 4the Colts game Thursday night</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/519574716663623680">October 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Talking health again, O’Brien said he believes the secondary will be deeper this week. Could mean return of A.J. Bouye, who’s missed 2 gms</p>— James Palmer (@JPalmerCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPalmerCSN/status/519575209322369025">October 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Could be Bouye or Morris coming back. Our CB depth has turned from somewhat of a dumpster fire into somewhat of a strength.
That's potentially very good news, the biggest challenge will be slowing down the passing game and forcing Luck to throw the interceptions that he's so fond of.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Texans cornerbacks AJ Bouye should be able to play against the Colts while Darryl Morris is a question mark.</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/519579465161011200">October 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I was hoping Morris came back before Bouye. Morris looks like he can play in this league and may even be the starter when JJo is cut this offseason. With that said, it is nice to get Bouye back on the field.
I really hope we win but I see the Colts taking this in a close one, kind of like the Dallas game. Their O scores 31 pts per game , their D gives up around 16 and Texans O only avgs about 17 just doesn't add up. Couple that with an elite QB and you know the Colts will be in this with an opportunity to win until the end. I really want to believe but I just don't see it yet--not with Fitzy at QB and no Clowney. Other than Watt the pressure has been weak and we desperately need to rattle Luck in order to have a chance. What I don't get in all the 'game manager' conversation is how much worse of a game manager could Mallet actually be? With his strong and accurate arm, can he not hand off the ball to Foster, through for 150 + yds and limit his interceptions to 2? If yes, then isn't he AT LEAST as good as Fitzpatrick but with a deep ball threat? Head scratcher. And to all who say he has no experience, neither did Bridgewater, Luck, Kaepernick, Wilson….etc etc…you don't know what you have until given a chance. Still hoping for a Texans win but they need to show more.