I can’t believe it’s week 18 already. It was the first time the Texans were playing in primetime this year. Whoever won against the Texans and Colts, would secure a playoff spot.
The Colts started with the ball first and kicked a field goal to go up 3-0. Minshew found Michael Pittman Jr early and used Jonathan Taylor well enough to get down the field easily.
The Texans first drive started with Stroud’s 75-yard TD pass to Collins on the Texans’ first play from scrimmage. Nico Collins had a monster day with, nine catches for 195 yards and a score.
On the Texans fifth drive of the day their running game got on track. Devon Singletary helped get the Texans into the redzone for a touchdown. Stroud found fullback Andrew Beck for a wide open touchdown pass to make it 14-3.
The Colts tried their luck with a two minute drive before halftime and managed to kick a 52 yard field goal. After the half the Colts were a different team. Jonathan Taylor busted loose for a 49 yard touchdown. Minshew threw a jump pass to convert the 2 point try. Now it’s tied 14-14 middle of the 3rd quarter.
Both teams had some kicking problems. The Colts kicker, Matt Gay missed a 57 yard field goal that hit the upright. Later he made up for it on a 35 yard field goal to tie it 17-17.
Texans first drive of the 4th quarter was fun to watch. Stroud didn’t forget about Dalton Shultz. With his number 2 and 3 receivers out, he used Schultz to get down the field. CJ made a great play to complete a pass to Nico Collins on a 2nd and 14. It looked like Stroud was throwing the ball away, but Collins dove and caught it for a first down. Three plays later Singletary ran for a 3 yard touchdown. Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the extra point. The Texans retook the lead 23-17.
The Colts had a late fourth-and-1 play from the Houston 15. But a wide-open Tyler Goodson dropped Gardner Minshew’s pass, ending the Colts’ hopes.
The loss ruined Jonathan Taylor’s best game of the season. He rushed 30 times for 188 yards and a TD. Minshew was 13 of 24 for 141 yards.
Stroud was 20 of 26 with 264 yards and two touchdowns. Houston (10-7) either will be one of the AFC’s three wild-card teams or host a wild-card weekend game as the AFC South champs — if Jacksonville loses at Tennessee.
