To say that the Indianapolis Colts' start to the season has been disappointing probably wouldn't tell the whole story. If anything, there have been encouraging signs, but none of that matters when the record shows 0-2.
It's time to get the job done, and there's no more wiggle room for excuses and whatnot. The Colts will face another winless team in the Houston Texans, and falling to 0-3 with one divisional loss can be a football death sentence.
Considering that, Shane Steichen and company will have to figure out a way to take care of business in an early-season must-win contest. With that in mind, we've laid out some questions they must answer to end up on top come Sunday afternoon.
4 questions Indianapolis Colts have to answer before Week 3
Can the defense stop C.J. Stroud?
C.J. Stroud has usually been the Texans' primary liability, but he's actually been pretty solid this season, considering the lack of weapons and whatnot. He's playing for a new deal, and taking down a divisional rival will certainly help his case.
Through two games, the former No. 2 pick has averaged 313.5 passing yards per game. He only has two touchdowns and has lost two fumbles after being sacked seven times, though, so that should be the key to rattling him in this one.
Will the linebackers hold their ground?
The Colts' never-ending linebacker woes have been on full display through the first two games of the season. Regardless of who's there in the second level, they just can't seem to take down tight ends or running backs.
The Texans aren't particularly strong at either of those spots, but this is still a major concern. Sloppy tackling, bad pursuit angles, and a defensive coordinator who's either unable or unwilling to make adjustments make this a big concern.
Who'll step up for Alec Pierce?
Unsurprisingly, Alec Pierce will miss time. It always felt like he was much more hurt than the Colts led fans to believe, and he had no business being on the field in the first two weeks. Now, they won't even have him as a decoy.
Keenan Allen has been a liability, so can he finally turn things around? Will Darius Slayton shock everyone with a strong performance out of the gate? The Texans' once-elite secondary has been beatable this season, so someone will have to step up.
What version of Daniel Jones will play?
On that same note, the Colts could use the same Daniel Jones who took the field in Week 2, and not so much the one from the season opener. He's always struggled with consistency, so that might not be injury-related.
Jones was solid in his lone game vs. the Texans last season, logging 201 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 101.0 passer rating, though the Colts lost the game. With the way the Texans' defense is struggling, the Colts just need him to play mistake-free football.
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