Colts vs. Texans: Defensive post-game grades

The Colts lost for the third time this year, losing 37-34 in overtime against the Texans. Here is how the defense played in that contest.

Defensively, the Colts have surprised this season. They held the Redskins to just 9 points, and played pretty well against Philly last week as well. The Colts’ defense kept them in this game early on after the offense struggled. Here is how each unit grades out.

The defensive line played pretty well for most of this game. Denico Autry had himself a game, having 9 tackles with 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. The line as a whole did a good job plugging up running holes as well, only allowing running backs to 80 yards. They also forced Deshaun Watson to move out of the pocket a lot.

Just because the defensive line forced Watson outside the pocket, doesn’t mean that was always a good thing. He ran for 41 yards on QB scrambles. The linebackers also weren’t great in coverage. Darius Leonard continued his torrid play, recording 13 more tackles and a sack. But late in the game, they allowed receivers wide open in the middle of the field because of poor zone coverage, especially on that last pass that set up the game winning field goal.

This might have been the secondary’s worst game. They allowed Watson to throw for 375 yards. They were shorthanded, as a few members went down with injuries including Kenny Moore. But they still gave up way too many big plays in the passing game, and that ultimately cost them.

The Colts need to learn how to win close games. Hopefully the secondary can get healthy and play a little better on Thursday.