What Colts did well in Week 2 against Texans (continued)
Quarterback play
While this is incomplete for Anthony Richardson due to the concussion that he suffered, he dazzled the crowd at NRG Stadium with two rushing touchdowns and completing 6-of-10 yards for 56 yards. Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew stepped in and delivered a fantastic performance in relief.
Minshew finished with 171 yards on 19-of-23 passing and showed a command of the offense. In the post-game press conference, Michael Pittman Jr. mentioned, “No one panicked because we know what Gardner can do.” It showed as soon as he came in; the entire team didn’t miss a beat, continuing to play at a high level. Minshew may be needed next week if Richardson cannot clear concussion protocol by kickoff and there will be no hesitation by the Colts coaching staff let him lead the offense once again.
Shane Steichen coaching and play calling
The fans seemed a bit disturbed with Steichen’s play calling in Week 1 but it will be hard to find anyone complaining this week. The opening drive, which is typically scripted, was surgical by both Richardson and Steichen. Richardson, in execution and decision making, and Steichen, in the strategic calls and trust in his quarterback to execute the plan. He also forced Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans to call a crucial timeout on a fourth-down play when his team was set on the ball and he caught his team sleeping.
Steichen’s plan, before Anthony Richardson’s injury, appeared to be more designed runs and more open space throws over the middle to Pittman and Josh Downs. Steichen was able to adapt and change the plan and play calls when Minshew was called in to replace Richardson. Minshew showed his priceless value to the team today.
Rushing the passer
We have discussed the fear most fans had at this position going into the season. So far through the first two weeks of the season, pass rushing has been a strong point. Kwity Paye showed up again with another strong performance of five tackles and he recorded another sack as the team totaled six sacks on CJ Stroud. His counterpart, Samson Ebukam, had his first great performance of the season with a sack and a forced fumble that led to the second rushing touchdown on the day for Richardson. Not only was the pass rush solid but the run defense delivered a great performance as well, only allowing 52 total rushing yards.