Colts vs Texans: Q&A with Toro Times
By Evan Reller
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) rushes during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans to all but decide the division on Sunday and we decided to get some inside information on this week’s opponent.
The Colts and Texans are tied for first place in the AFC South, with Indy holding a slight edge due to a win in Houston back in October. For the Texans to win the division, they’ll have to come away with a victory in Indianapolis, something that has never happened in the franchise’s 14 year history.
Both teams want to get over bad losses from last week. The Texans were not surprisingly beaten up by the Patriots while the Colts were absolutely routed by the Jaguars, of all teams.
We spoke with the editor of Toro Times, Randy Gurzi, to get some inside information on the Texans.
Here’s what Gurzi had to say.
1. The Texans defense has been playing really well lately (this past week excluded). What has changed for Houston? Is it a different mindset, players getting healthy, or just finally playing together?
"I think it has been a combination of a couple of things. One being defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel seems to have simplified things on defense. Rather than trying to out scheme opponents he simply is letting his players do what they do best, which has started to instill some confidence. Also, the health is a factor as well. Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing are looking more natural in their movements and that’s having a positive effect on everyone."
My take:
Playing to the strength of the players on the field is something every coach ever should do. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole and you’ll get better results. The Colts offense from 2013 is a good example of this, and they saw better results when they went to a vertical passing attack. The Texans are doing the same, scheming to put their playmakers in a position to succeed.
I’m fairly certain you can let Watt freelance and get pretty good results. A healthy Clowney is a scary possibility for the Colts and with Watt at the other end of the line makes improving the offensive line in the offseason a higher priority (as if Andrew Luck being held together with duct tape wasn’t enough).
Next: Quarterback?