The Tantalizing Ten: Texans Edition
Each week, we will take a look at 10 players that will have a big impact in the game. Who are the "Tantalizing Ten" when the Colts (2-2) hit the road again on Thursday night to take on the Houston Texans (1-3)?
Watt has four sacks in 2015, second in the NFL. His impact is obviously felt in other ways (four pass deflections and a clear identifiable figure on every play from a protection standpoint). The Colts saw first-hand last season how Watt's presence can turn a game very quickly, especially in Houston.
Chalk the "Luck Watch" up to another decision that will carry into Thursday afternoon/evening. Luck says he's progressing but was still listed as a limited participant in practice on Monday and Tuesday. The Colts re-signed quarterback Josh Johnson on Wednesday, indicating there's still some question about Luck's shoulder and/or the health of Matt Hasselbeck (who missed Tuesday's practice because he was sick).
Is another shadow role coming Davis' way Thursday night? That would seem to be the case with Houston's DeAndre Hopkins leading the NFL with 61 targets through four weeks. Davis is dealing with an ankle injury and was wearing a boot earlier in the week. From an individual standpoint, Hopkins will likely be the toughest one-on-one matchup Davis sees in the first half of the season.
Colts fans know very well the type of runner the Texans have in Foster. Last week, Foster made his 2015 debut and was held to just 10 rushing yards on eight carries. You know the Texans want to pound Foster and force a Colts banged up defensive line unit (Henry Anderson) to shut down the Texans all-time leading rusher.
It should be a well-received welcome back for Johnson on Thursday night. In 2003, the Texans selected Johnson with the No. 3 overall pick. After 12 seasons with more than 1,000 catches and 13,00 receiving yards, Johnson is the most accomplished player in Texans team history. Is Thursday when Johnson can break out of a mini-slump, with zero catches the past two weeks?
Gore had 53 rushing yards on 17 carries against the Jaguars, but it was a struggle to reach that mark. He was visibly frustrated with his performance and the goal line fumble really ate at him. Gore is dealing with a left hand injury forcing him to adjust how he's carrying the football. You know the Colts want to rely more on Gore with the questions still lingering at quarterback.
Sunday's win over the Jaguars included a career afternoon for Coby Fleener. His career-high nine catches paced the Colts pass catchers. With Dwayne Allen expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday, the Colts will have their tight end duo on the field together after a couple weeks where the position has seen plenty of targets. The blocking of Fleener should also be commended. His block, along with Jack Doyle's, on Frank Gore's 22-yard overtime run were key.
The Colts run defense will see a talented runner this week in the Texans Arian Foster. With the rookie Parry starting at nose tackle, a new-look Colts defensive line has held up quite well, despite a bunch of turnover in the offseason. The Texans have had inconsistent quarterback play in 2015, so you know the hope is for the Colts to make them one-dimensional early on Thursday.
No player in the NFL has been targeted more in 2015 than DeAndre Hopkins. His 61 targets are nine more than Julio Jones. Hopkins, the 2013 first-round pick, is the clear No. 1 target for the Texans. Where Hopkins lines up on Thursday will likely draw the assignment of Vontae Davis opposite him.
For this week, Reitz (who played very well last week) represents the entire offensive line. Trying to handle J.J. Watt is a challenge unlike any other in the NFL. However, the Texans front seven doesn't stop there. In the offseason, Houston added big man Vince Wilfork to put in the middle of their 3-4 scheme. Also, last year's No. 1 pick, Jadeveon Clowney, appears to be healthy after playing the first four games of the season.
