INDIANAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the Indianapolis Colts' 17-10 victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday:
What it means: The Colts continued their domination in the AFC South by winning the division for the second straight season. But it’s not just about winning the division for the Colts, who have won 12 straight division games. It’s about showing they’re ready to challenge in the AFC. That’s not the case based off their performance the past few weeks. The Colts struggled against a Houston Texans team that was without receiver Andre Johnson and lost starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a leg injury in the first half. Indianapolis, which has won four straight, should feel fortunate it is facing teams that have marginal quarterbacks because these close victories would likely be losses against playoff-caliber teams. The Colts gained a season-low 279 yards.
Stock watch: The Colts’ defense played well for the second straight week. They held the Texans to 289 total yards and stood their ground on fourth down in the fourth quarter. Safety Sergio Brown broke up a pass on a throw intended for DeAndre Hopkins on third down on the Texans' final drive. Then Vontae Davis intercepted quarterback Tom Savage to seal the game for the Colts.
At the top: Receiver Reggie Wayne finished with only four catches for 24 yards, but he moved past Peyton Manning for the most games played (209) in franchise history and most wins in franchise history (142). Wayne, who is dealing with a torn tricep, lost a fumble in the first half. Luckily for him and the Colts, though, the Texans didn’t take advantage of the opportunity because they fumbled on the very next play. Linebacker Bjoern Werner recovered the loose ball.
Turnover woes: Quarterback Andrew Luck’s turnover problems continued. He threw an interception that was returned 27 yards for a touchdown by Texans safety Kendrick Lewis. Luck now has 20 turnovers -- 14 interceptions and six fumbles -- this season. He has thrown seven interceptions that have been returned for touchdowns the past three years. Only New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has thrown more interceptions returned for touchdowns than Luck. Luck finished 18-of-34 for 187 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Game ball: Running back Daniel “Boom” Herron didn’t rush for 100 yards. He didn’t even have a touchdown. What he did, though, is prove yet again that he deserves to be the Colts’ primary running back over the disappointing Trent Richardson. Herron finished with 11 carries for 60 yards. Richardson had 32 yards on nine carries.
What’s next: The Colts close out the regular season by playing their final two games on the road, starting at Dallas on Dec. 21.
