Football fans get ready to rumble. After a long offseason, the NFL regular season is back. The Indianapolis Colts kick off their season against the Houston Texans. Indy hopes to walk into NRG Stadium on September 11 and walk away with a victory. The Colts are 7.5-point favorites and Colts fans should be excited to start the season.
In this article, I break down what the Colts need to do to beat the Houston Texans.
Opening Day History
The Colts would like to begin the season on a high note. Since 2018, Indianapolis is 0-4 on opening day. Last season the Seattle Seahawks beat Indy 28-16. Fans have had to endure slow starts and the Colts have consistently put themselves in a hole. Sunday’s game is an opportunity to rewrite the script.
Mix it up on Offense
Frank Reich has orchestrated a dynamic offense and has proven to be a good play-caller. Last season the Colt’s offense averaged 347.1 yards per game and 26.5 points per game. Running the ball was Indy’s main mode of attack on offense. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,811 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. Additionally, Michael Pittman Jr. caught 88 passes for 1,082 receiving yards and scored 6 touchdowns.
Houston will look to stop the running game so Indy will have to mix it up. Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Marcus Brady have to incorporate quick passes, run-pass-options, bootlegs, nakeds, screens, and jet sweeps to keep Houston’s defense honest. A two-dimensional offense will help the Colts win the game.
Attack The Quarterback
Over the offseason, the Colts addressed their shaky pass rush. Chris Ballard acquired defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to help Indianapolis get after the quarterback. Defenses can get off the field if they can pressure a quarterback. Indianapolis’s defensive line has to make Davis Mills uncomfortable and apply pressure throughout the game. Mills is a talented quarterback who can make all the throws. If Indy wants to leave Houston with a win, they have to limit Mills and Houston’s offense.
Silence The Crowd
NRG Stadium will be rocking on Sunday. Thousands of fans will bring the noise and make it difficult for the Colts. Houston fans will try to disrupt the Colts’ offensive drives. Silencing the crowd will be a challenge, but Indianapolis has to manage the noise. The Colts can silence the crowd by executing on offense and getting Houston’s offense off the field.
