Final score: Texans 20, Colts 20
The Houston Texans led by as many as 17 over the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter, but that was not enough to stave off a 20-20 tie Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
Quarterback Matt Ryan led the Colts with 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter as the Texans could not stave off their first tie in team history.
Here is everything we know from the tie.
Keys to the game
The Texans managed to get points off takeaways as defensive end Jerry Hughes got the defense’s first takeaway of the season in the second quarter. Hughes also got 2.0 sacks of Ryan, which represented the consistent pressure that the Texans were able to generate against the former Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl quarterback.
Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill was all over the place and led the Texans with 18 combined tackles, including a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Running back Johnathan Taylor had 31 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown though.
Tight end O.J. Howard, who was a pickup after the cut downs to a 53-man roster, caught two touchdown passes as part of a two-catch, 38-yard performance.
It was over when...
Given that it was a tie and not exactly a zero-sum game, it is difficult to pinpoint when it was “over.” When spectators had to have felt the game was going to end in a tie had to have been when Ryan took a 5-yard sack with 2:07 to go in overtime. The loss of yards backed up the Colts at the Texans’ 24-yard line, and kicker Rodrigo Blankenship missed the ensuing field goal wide right. If not for that sack, Blankenship may have been closer and not had to try a 42-yard field goal.
Players of the game
Davis Mills: 23/37, 240 yards, 2 TD, 98.9 passer rating
Brandin Cooks: 7 catches, 82 yards
O.J. Howard: 2 catches, 38 yards, 2 TD
Jerry Hughes: 3 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup, 1 INT
Injury report
There were no significant injuries to report for either side.
What's next?
The Colts (0-0-1) go on the road to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1).
The Texans (0-0-1) also go on the road to play the Denver Broncos (play Monday night at Seattle).
