The Indianapolis Colts' defense struggled mightily in their season opener against the Houston Texans, allowing a staggering 490 yards of total offense and failing to generate any turnovers. Despite scoring four touchdowns, the Colts' defense proved unable to stop the Texans' high-powered attack, leading to a disappointing 29-27 loss.
The Indianapolis Colts opened their 2022 season with a disappointing 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. While the Colts' offense put up a valiant effort, scoring four touchdowns, the defense proved unable to contain the Texans' high-powered attack, allowing a staggering 490 yards of total offense.
Colts Defense Fails in Season-Opening Loss to Texans
The Colts' defense struggled from the outset, allowing the Texans to march down the field on their opening drive and score a touchdown. The Texans continued to move the ball at will, converting third downs and amassing over 200 yards of offense in the first half alone.
The Colts' defense failed to generate any turnovers, a significant factor in the loss. Despite pressuring Texans quarterback Davis Mills, the Colts were unable to force a fumble or interception. The Texans took advantage of the Colts' weak pass rush, with Mills completing 23 of 38 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans' running attack also proved too much for the Colts to handle. Running back Dameon Pierce rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. The Colts' defense struggled to contain Pierce's power and athleticism, allowing him to break through tackles and gain significant yardage.
Despite the defensive struggles, the Colts' offense put up a respectable performance. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown. However, the Colts' offense was unable to sustain drives consistently, punting four times and turning the ball over on downs once.
The Colts' defense showed some signs of life in the second half, forcing a three-and-out and intercepting Mills in the end zone. However, the Texans' offense continued to move the ball effectively, scoring a touchdown on a 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter.
The Colts had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but their drive stalled at the Texans' 11-yard line. The Colts elected to go for it on fourth down, but Ryan's pass to Michael Pittman Jr. was incomplete, sealing the loss.
The Colts' defense will need to improve significantly if they want to contend for a playoff spot in 2022. The Texans' offense is not considered among the league's elite, so the Colts' struggles against them are particularly concerning. The Colts will face a much tougher test in Week 2 when they travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars.
