HOUSTON –First Quarter Recap
The Colts won the toss and deferred to the second half.
A promising Texans drive to start things ended with no points. Facing a third-and-three in Colts territory, a fastball from quarterback Ryan Mallett went through the hands of Arian Foster, who had seven touches for 34 yards on the opening drive. Colts safety Mike Adams was there for the pick, returning it 38 yards to the Colts 44-yard line.
Frank Gore slashed for 20 yards on the Colts first play from scrimmage. An Adam Vinatieri 48-yard field goal would give the Colts an early 3-0 lead, with 6:28 to play in the first quarter.
Houston took over at their own 20-yard line. Two early run stops from linebacker Nate Irving eventually forced a Texans punt. With 3:22 left in the first quarter, the Colts offense re-gained control at their own 40-yard line.
Welcome back, Andre Johnson. A 23-yard catch from Johnson on the drive was followed by a four-yard touchdown to the former Texans great. The touchdown catch for Johnson gave the Colts a 10-0 lead with 1:22 left in the first quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, the Colts led the Texans 10-0.
Second Quarter Recap
The Colts run defense continued to hold its ground, forcing a third straight empty possession from the Texans.
With more field position in the Colts favor, Indianapolis started their third offensive possession at their own 30-yard line. Thanks to sound delivery from Matt Hasselbeck, the Colts put more points on the board. A 42-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri extended the Colts lead to 13-0 with 7:37 to play until halftime.
Houston's next drive was aided by a late penalty on Colts linebacker Sio Moore. Instead of having to punt, the Texans took advantage of the new life. A 36-yard field goal from Nick Novak cut the Colts lead to 13-3, with a little more than two minutes left until halftime. The drive also saw Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett exit and Brian Hoyer enter the game.
Looking for a late score before halftime, the Colts would have to settle for a punt after an intended third-down pass to Donte Moncrief was jarred loose.
The Texans got the ball back at their own five-yard line with 1:16 left in the second quarter. Houston would reach the Colts side of the field and hit on a Hail Mary from 42 yards out. Rookie wide receiver Jaelen Strong caught the 42-yard touchdown from Brian Hoyer.
At halftime, the Colts led the Texans 13-10Third Quarter Recap
Needing to swing momentum back to the visiting sideline, the Colts did just that. First, a 50-yard kick return by Griff Whalen started things off. From there, a reception by Dwayne Allen, an over-the-shoulder grab Andre Johnson and two Frank Gore runs took the Colts into the end zone. The three-yard touchdown run by Gore gave the Colts a 10-point lead, at 20-10.
The Texans and Colts would then trade punts on their next two possessions.
Starting from their own 10-yard line, the Texans took off on a 90-yard touchdown drive with DeAndre Hopkins finding his way through the Colts secondary. A blown coverage eventually led to an 11-yard touchdown catch by Jaelen Strong. The Colts lead was now 20-17 with 4:03 left in the third quarter.
Leading by three points, the Colts would end the third quarter driving in Texans territory.
At the end of the third quarter, the Colts led the Texans 20-17.
Fourth Quarter Recap
For the second straight night, the Colts would answer the Texans in a big, big way. This time it took 14 plays, 8:35 for the Colts to go 80 yards. Once again, Andre Johnson found the end zone. A two-yard reception from Matt Hasselbeck gave the Colts a 27-17 lead with 10:28 remaining.
Down two scores, the Texans would stay alive. Nick Novak's 49-yard field goal trimmed the Colts lead to 27-20 with 6:07 left.
Trying to drain out the clock, the Colts would have to punt with less than four minutes remaining. Houston took over at their own 36-yard line with 3:25 remaining, down seven points.
The final comeback attempt by the Texans ended when Mike Adams hauled in Brian Hoyer heave.
With the win 27-20, the Colts have now set an NFL-record with 16 straight divisional wins.
The Colts will now have 10 days off before returning to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the New England Patriots (3-0) in a primetime matchup on Sunday, October 18.
Colts Inactives
12-Andrew Luck
38-Tyler Varga
50-Jerrell Freeman
60-Lance Louis
67-T.Y. McGill
71-Denzelle Good
92-Bjoern Werner
Colts Pre-Game Notes
-The Colts are looking to set an NFL-record with their 16th straight divisional win. The last loss the Colts had in the AFC South was in Houston back in Week 15 of the 2012 season.Weather/Stadium Update
-Thursday was a beautiful day in Houston with temperatures nearing 90 degrees. The roof is expected to be closed tonight at NRG Stadium.
*Looking to have pre-reserve gameday parking at Lucas Oil Stadium? Check out ****Parkwhiz for your parking needs.***
