The Indianapolis Colts headed down to Houston this Sunday for a divisional matchup with the Texans to kick off the 2022 season. The Colts came into the game with an all-time record of 31-9 in the matchup, and had won four straight against the Texans, and swept last year with a combined score of 62-3. Indianapolis was favored by seven points before the game.

After four quarters and overtime, this week one tilt ended in a tie. Both teams got off to a slow start, and at the end of the first quarter, the Colts led, 3-0. The Texans evened it up with a field goal of their own, then punched it in with an O.J. Howard touchdown on a quick drive before halftime to make it 10-3. They opened the second half with a drive ending in a field goal, then Howard scored his second touchdown of the day to give the Texans a commanding 20-3 lead. It remained that way until a few minutes into the final quarter when Indianapolis began clawing back.

They drove down to kick a field goal, then got the ball back quickly when E.J. Speed strip-sacked Davis Mills on his own 20-yard line. Jonathan Taylor scored four plays later from two yards out to bring the Colts within seven. After a Houston punt, they drove 80 yards down the field once more to secure a Michael Pittman, Jr. touchdown with under two minutes left. The game hit overtime, and the Texans quickly went three-and-out. The Colts got the ball to Houston’s 24, but a missed field goal attempt gave the ball right back. After another failed Texans drive, the Colts were left with only seconds from their own six-yard line, and the game ended in a tie.

Matt Ryan had a solid performance, especially in the second half when he lead the comeback. He threw 32-50 for 352 yards and a touchdown alongside one interception. It was business as usual for Jonathan Taylor, as he rushed 31 times for 161 yards and a touchdown. The number one pass catcher was Michael Pittman, Jr., catching nine balls for 121 yards. Nyheim Hines also caught six for 50 yards. Defensively, most notable was Kwity Paye with two sacks.

On the other sideline, Davis Mills completed 23 of his 37 attempts for 240 yards and two touchdowns. They didn’t have a rusher over 40 yards, and Brandin Cooks was the leading receiver with seven catches and 82 yards.

Final: IND 20-20 HOU

Why I’m Not Worried

From the outside looking in, a week one tie with the Texans appears somewhat embarrassing for Colts fans, as a seven-point spread almost didn’t even seem enough for the situation. However, the boys in blue did flash glimpses of what we were hoping to see. Kwity Paye got after the quarterback well, with seven tackles and two sacks. Matt Ryan proved he could lead a comeback when necessary, and put up decent numbers. Any doubt that Jonathan Taylor would continue where he left off last year was quickly erased with the stat line he produced. Shaq Leonard, the heart of the defense, was inactive, and would likely have helped produce a better result.

Despite the good aspects of the game, a tie with the Texans is something no team aims for. The highly-toted defense was far from perfect, although without Leonard. Rodrigo Blankenship missed a clutch overtime field goal, and fans are already calling for his head. Frank Reich’s playcalling left something to be desired. The Colts extended their streak of poor play in week one, and still haven’t won to open the season since 2013. 

Around the Division

Despite a tie with the Texans, the Colts still hold a share of the division lead. The Titans inexplicably lost to the lowly Giants, and the Jaguars, while putting up a great fight, eventually lost to the Carson Wentz-led Commanders. It seems the season will be a disappointment if Indianapolis doesn’t run away with the AFC South. 

Looking Ahead

The Colts will remain on the road in week two as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars Sunday at noon central. Despite the Jaguars being a bit of a rebuilding team, the Colts haven’t completed a season sweep since the 2014 season. They look to change that this weekend, and open as four-point favorites. A win is nearly essential going into week three against the Chiefs, and while Jacksonville shouldn’t be taken lightly, anything but a comfortable win would likely be viewed as a disappointment.

Image: Brett Coomer (Houston Chronicle)