The Houston Texans had two false start penalties in overtime, each on their only two drives of the extra period against the Indianapolis Colts in their 20-20 tie in Week 1 at NRG Stadium.
Right tackle Tytus Howard had a false start on a third-and-17 from the Houston 33-yard line that turned into a third-and-22 from Houston’s 28. The Texans didn’t convert and quarterback Davis Mills was sacked for a 4-yard loss.
Howard, along with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, mentioned after the game there were miscommunication issues along the line.
Center Justin Britt took responsibility for the five-man unit’s miscommunication problems on Tuesday when meeting with reporters.
“If there is a communication error, it starts with me being the voice of the O-line,” said Britt. “The guy who sets it all. I false started for something that shouldn’t have happened. I was late on a snap and Tytus false started, and again, that shouldn’t have happened. Just things like that. Just do better next time.”
Britt had the Texans’ second false start penalty in overtime. On a second-and-2 from the Houston 40, Britt had a pre-snap penalty that moved Houston back five yards. The Texans were able to overcome the penalty and keep the drive alive, which ultimately ended in the controversial decision from Lovie Smith to punt on fourth-and-3 from the Colts’ 49-yard line with 26 seconds remaining.
Houston has a chance to get on the same page with their offensive line communication when they take on the Denver Broncos Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central Time at Empower Field at Mile High.
