C.J. Stroud's Comeback Attempt Falls Short, Colts Beat Texans
No Anthony Richardson, no problem.
The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) were without their starting quarterback for the final two-and-a-half quarters due to a concussion, but it didn't matter as they thwarted a Texans comeback attempt to win 31-20 in the Texans' home opener at NRG Stadium.
Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew stepped in and led Indianapolis to scores on three of the six drives he led. Minshew was 19-for-23 for 171 yards with one touchdown.
However, Richardson did his damage before exiting, becoming the first Colts ball carrier since Edgerrin James in 1999 to have two rushing touchdowns in the first half.
The Texans' (0-2) comeback attempt was led by quarterback play that wasn't too shabby, either.
C.J. Stroud was sacked and fumbled early on, setting up Richardson's second touchdown rush, but he settled in and completed 30-of-47 passes for 384 yards and two scores.
Stroud was sacked six times for 47 yards with the most crushing coming on an 11-yard loss on the Colts' 17-yard line. After a false start, kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn's 51-yard miss ended any hopes of a comeback.
The Texans' No. 2 draft pick connected with wide receiver Nico Collins on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first half for the first of his career. Early in the fourth quarter, Stroud put together his best drive in the two-week season.
Stroud completed three of his four passes for 64 yards, hitting wide receiver Tank Dell on a 23-yard sideline route. Dell broke a tackle and raced to the end zone for a 23-yard score and Stroud's second touchdown pass of the game, cutting the lead to 31-20.
Collins led all receivers with seven catches for 146 yards and one touchdown, while Dell added seven receptions for 72 yards.
The Texans travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to take on the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday at noon.
