A few thoughts from the Houston Texans' 33-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
What it means: This was the battle for first place in the division, and the Texans ceded it to the Colts in a game that was closer than it initially seemed it would be. The Texans' defense had no answer for the Andrew Luck-driven passing attack, especially his throws to T.Y. Hilton, in falling behind 24-0 in the first quarter. Meanwhile, their offense offered its traditional slow start, going three-and-out on all three of its first-quarter drives. Their in-game adjustments were, once again, solid, but the slow start proved fatal to the Texans.
Stock watch: The secondary's stock went down today. It had several strong games and was a big part of the Texans' turnover margin being as strong as it was -- eight of the 12 Texans' turnovers heading into this game were caused by defensive backs. The Colts had the upper hand tonight. Hilton had 156 yards at halftime and 207 by the end of the third quarter. It was the first time since 2012 that the Texans allowed more than 200 receiving yards to an individual.
Turnovers return on offense: Two very costly turnovers crushed the Texans. Twice they attempted to mount a game-winning drive, and both ended in fumbles. Andre Johnson first caught a pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick and fumbled. Then, on the final drive, Fitzpatrick was hit as he tried to run away from pressure and fumbled. The second, inside the two-minute warning, effectively ended the game.
Game Ball: J.J. Watt scored his third touchdown of the season when he scooped up a botched snap and ran 45 yards to the end zone. This time he followed his score with an intentional rendition of the nae nae, a dance that Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard tutored him on. Watt also sacked Luck twice and batted two passes, the second on a critical third down with a little more than two minutes remaining in the game. Watt's play got the ball back for the Texans offense with plenty of time to win the game.
What's next: The Texans have 10 days until their next game -- a Monday nighter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
