by Cody Felger
The Indianapolis Colts were able to earn their first victory of the 2023 season against the division-rival Houston Texans by a score of 31-20 on Sunday afternoon.
Overall, it was a statement win from the Colts, who controlled the majority of the game and cemented the win with a fourth-quarter stop to seal the win.
Here are some studs and duds from the game:
STUD: Defensive line
For the second straight week, the Indianapolis Colts’ defense line dominated the game from start to finish. The Colts were able to make life difficult on rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, all day long. Stroud was pressured 17 times, hit nine times and sacked six.
The Colts also held the Houston running game in check in this matchup. The Texans were only able to muster 52 rushing yards on 26 carries.
Indianapolis had strong games from all four starters as well as key contributions from Dayo Odeyingbo, Taven Bryan, Jake Martin and others.
With Houston down multiple starters, Indianapolis was able to take full advantage all day.
DUD: Secondary
While the Colts’ defensive line dominated, the secondary for Indianapolis looked lost at times. The Colts allowed Stroud to light them up for 384 yards and two touchdowns, much of which came during the second half.
Darrell Baker Jr. was routinely getting carved up by Nico Collins in this matchup and helped allow Collins to go off for 146 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
Simply put, the effort and communication by the Indianapolis secondary is not going to get it done once the Colts face more polished quarterbacks this season.
The Colts were fortunate that they were able to hold on in this matchup and look to bounce back next week against the Baltimore Ravens.
STUD: QB Gardner Minshew
Stepping in as relief for Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew helped guide the Indianapolis Colts’ offense to an efficient day. Minshew was 19-of-23 passing with 171 passing yards and a passing touchdown.
Minshew was able to spread the ball around to multiple players and lead multiple scoring drives on a very good day from the veteran signal-caller.
STUD: RB Zack Moss
Right away Moss was able to provide a boost for the Colts rushing attack. In his season debut, Moss was the only running back to see any action out of the backfield. He took all 18 of the running back carries for 88 rushing yards and a touchdown while seeing four receptions on four targets for 19 receiving yards. It was a much-needed boost to the offense.
Originally posted on coltswire.usatoday.com