INDIANAPOLIS -- A few thoughts about the Houston Texans' 17-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts:
What it means: The Texans' might not be technically eliminated from playoff contention, but with rookie Tom Savage thrust into the lineup after Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury, their situation doesn't look good. Savage, whom the Texans drafted in the fourth round in May, has been in a developmental role since he arrived in Houston and showed some significant growing pains Sunday. He showed growth, playing better later in the game, but he has a long way to go. The Texans needed a lot to go their way in order to make the playoffs, and today in Indianapolis, a very important thing didn't go their way.
Stock watch: Texans pass defense's stock is up. They let Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton tear them up in the first quarter of their last meeting, but held Hilton to 50 yards Sunday. The Colts scored two touchdowns, but given that they are one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, it was an impressive showing by the Texans' defense.
Indianapolis blues: Texans-in-Indianapolis stock remains depressed, as it has been throughout this franchise's history. The Texans dropped to 0-13 all time in Indianapolis. This was one they weren't expected to win, facing a 9-4 Colts team with a very talented quarterback, but it was still one the Texans, remarkably, had a chance to win late in the game.
Game ball: We'll give this to J.J. Watt, who distinguished himself again. Watt sacked Colts quarterback Andrew Luck twice. It was the 14th multi-sack game of his career. He has more multi-sack games since the start of 2011 (when he entered the league) than any other player. Watt also has had at least two sacks in three consecutive games, which marks the first time in his career he's done that. He's only the second NFL player this season to have three consecutive games with two or more sacks.
What's next: The return of Gary Kubiak. The former Texans head coach will visit NRG Stadium as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator at 1 p.m. ET next Sunday.
