The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) and Houston Texans (0-1) are set to do battle at NRG Stadium on Sunday for a Week 2 divisional matchup.
As both teams look to get into the win column for the first time this season, there should be plenty to watch for in this divisional bout. But before they take the field, we caught up with Texans Wire editor Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) to get the latest scoop on the Texans.
Buy Colts TicketsWe went behind enemy lines to ask Mark five questions about the Colts’ opponent in Week 2.
1
How did CJ Stroud look in his debut and how serious is his shoulder injury?
Mark Lane: Stroud looked serviceable in his debut. The concern was he may commit too many turnovers, but a lost strip-sack late in the game isn’t too much to ask for. However, the problem is he didn’t throw a touchdown, which would have been nice to give Houston fans a highlight that way. The Texans limited Stroud in Friday’s practice as his shoulder is sore, but he is expected to try to play Sunday.
2
What has been the overall impression of Ryan DeMeco as the new head coach?
Mark Lane: The impression of DeMeco Ryans has been favorable. It’s been a total honeymoon period and I think anyone who even dared form a scurrilous word about him in a thought balloon would get canceled quickly. Part of it is because he was one of the hot assistants from last year’s coaching cycle, and the other is he is a former two-time Pro Bowl linebacker in Houston. He will get the benefit of the doubt on everything until January. So far, the players like him.
3
How big of an impact will the injuries have?
Mark Lane: There will be an impact because safeties Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre, who were projected starters, will be out. The offensive line is working through its own issues, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil is questionable with a knee. Houston has had to rely on left guard Josh Jones, rookie center Jarrett Patterson, and right tackle George Fant to fill in where they projected Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, and Tytus Howard to start. That also means the offensive line is still working on its cohesion.
4
Which underrated Texans players should we know about?
Mark Lane: Maybe not underrated so much, but Robert Woods seems to have regained his footing as a go-to receiver. Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish finds ways to make stops. Fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o has a knack for making plays. Look for slot corner Tavierre Thomas to make plays on third down.
5
Prediction and final score?
Mark Lane: This matchup of rookie quarterbacks should come down to who makes the last mistake. Stroud is working behind an offensive line with injuries to three of its starters, while the Colts have no run game with Jonathan Taylor out. One of these defenses will set the tone first, and that should fluster the opposing inexperienced signal-caller and control the tempo. Texans 19, Colts 14
