3 Things Colts Offense Must Accomplish to Defeat Texans

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a season-opening defeat last week. The offense has to play better and help Anthony Richardson to obtain an AFC South victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Last week, the Indianapolis Colts offense and quarterback Anthony Richardson began the 2023 season with some nice plays and promise for what’s to come in the future. However, they wouldn’t snag the victory, dropping the first game to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-21.

What must the offense change and improve to get their first victory of the year at NRG Stadium against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans this weekend? Here are three goals that can’t be missed if the Colts want to get on the board in the AFC South divisional race.

#1) Unlock Alec Pierce

Wide receiver Alec Pierce had moments of explosiveness in 2022 with a defunct Colts offense. However, many expected him to take a solid leap in year two with a strong-armed QB like Richardson. Pierce is a burner who can make contested catches, both receiving qualities that fit Richardson’s skills like a glove. However, Week 1 didn’t showcase this.

Pierce would be thrown to just three times but only caught one ball for five yards. This isn’t a stat line that will intimidate any defense. However, the Jaguars also did everything they could defensively to take away Richardson’s deep threat and force the rookie to throw shorter passes, keeping the catches and gains manageable.

The Texans have a young and hungry defense with new head coach DeMeco Ryans, but they’re also banged up in the secondary. Currently, both safeties Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre are injured and listed as questionable.

If the safety duo doesn't suit up, it could be a golden chance for Colts head coach Shane Steichen to unlock Pierce with a deep shot or two that will relax the defense, allowing additional opportunities. Even if Ward and Pitre play, it’s hard to imagine Steichen not trying to get Pierce involved in the gameplan more. Look for that connection to open up on Sunday afternoon in Houston.

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#2) Running Game Must Be Better

The Colts are still having issues with star running back Jonathan Taylor. Both with contract talks and his injuries. Now, rookie Evan Hull will miss the next four contests at a minimum after being put on Injured Reserve following a knee injury against the Jaguars.

This left Deon Jackson and Jake Funk to handle the backfield. What would ensue was 16 carries for an abysmal 25 rushing yards from the running backs (10 yards came from Funk on 2 carries). This has to change for Richardson’s sake, who led the team with 10 carries for 40 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

Veteran Zack Moss is trending toward his 2023 debut. This will help matters in the backfield after the disastrous showing from Jackson, who also coughed up two fumbles, both of which were lost to the defense. It’s also fair to say that the run blocking could improve up front, too.

After the Texans were just gashed for 110 yards on the ground by the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts could follow up with something similar. Houston isn’t as strong with their defensive front as the Jaguars, so the Colts have to try to capitalize on the matchup. With Moss having a shot to start, it could also assist Jackson with getting on track again. Funk could also see additional opportunities with all of the injuries and issues for the running back committee.

Currently for the offensive line, left guard Quenton Nelson (toe) and right tackle Braden Smith (knee/ankle) are trying to get the healthy nod to play on Sunday. Both players are battling injuries right now, but would amplify the Colts’ chances of running the ball immensely if they can suit up.

#3) Improve Third and Fourth-Down Efficiency

Steichen was incredibly aggressive against the Jaguars with the chances he took on fourth downs. The first-ever game for the Colts head coach would result in 1-of-5 (20%), which isn’t glamorous.

However, what’s potentially worse is the awful 2-of-12 (16.7%) on third downs. While the Colts did find themselves in third-and-long situations at times, it’s still a low percentage of success for a team that needs to be more methodical offensively and move the chains.

This could also be linked to the awful running game from the backfield that put the team in these precarious third-down situations.

The lack of success on fourth downs can be forgiven due to Steichen’s inexperience as an NFL head coach. But, it’s harder to accept the third-down woes. Look for Steichen to get his team on track with both downs against the Texans' exploitable defense. Having more efficiency in these crucial areas will help the offense move with more fluidity, giving Indianapolis a better chance to notch their first win of the 2023 season.

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