Heading into Sunday’s AFC South matchup between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts, both fan bases are abuzz over the immediate seeding playoff implications and long term divisional ramifications of the contest.

Colts fan, Reginald White (@SportsNut12k on X), joined the Texans Roundtable today to discuss everything from the Colts’ recent struggles, to Jonathan Taylor’s dominance and even Sauce Gardner’s immediate impact on the team:

Clayton Anderson: After starting the season 7-1, the Indianapolis Colts are now 8-3 after dropping two of their last three games. Are there any concerns in the fanbase at the moment?

Reginald White: There are BIG concerns from the fanbase. Everyone knows that this finishing stretch is difficult. Beating the Chiefs would have calmed some fears, but now it’s tight. Even if the Colts win Sunday, the Jaguars will probably be only one game back AND we’ll have to win where we haven’t won since 2014 or be in 2nd place. So yes, there is concern.

Advertisement

CA: What’s the confidence level with Daniel Jones and his ability to steady the ship for the final six games?

RW: I think most fans believe Daniel Jones can handle these games. The big question will be playcalling. Jonathan Taylor has had his fewest carries in the 3 losses. Will coach Steichen stick with the run in these tougher games? If he does, it opens it up for Jones.

CA: With the Texans possessing the NFL’s 5th best rush defense (92.2 yds/game), what type of game do you foresee for Jonathan Taylor?

RW: I think Taylor always has the ability to have a great game. He’s always a play away from changing the game. I anticipate that he will have success against the Texans, he usually does. Now, will coach Steichen have the patience to stick with the run if the Texans commit to taking it away? That’s key. If James Cook can run for 100+ against Houston, so can Taylor.

Advertisement

CA: After being acquired at the trade deadline, how has Sauce Gardener affected the defense’s effectiveness?

RW: Sauce has been huge in his two games. He has allowed Lou Anarumo to be more creative and aggressive in his scheme. I don’t think Mahomes threw at Sauce much Sunday. I think this acquisition actually is a game changer for the Colts and can bring them from a middle of the pack defense to a top ten defense. Of course time will tell.

CA: What are three keys for a Colts win on Sunday?

RW: The first key is controlling Houston’s two defensive ends. The Colts cannot allow Anderson and Hunter to have multiple sacks and pressures. So, the two offensive tackles (Smith and Raimann) will be key. The second key we have already discussed. Who wins the battle between Houston’s offense and Indianapolis’s defense?

Advertisement

If Houston can run the ball and control the clock or if they convert those red zone trips to touchdowns, the Colts may struggle. The final key is the turnover battle. The team that wins the turnover battle probably wins Sunday.

All that being said, you know I have the Colts in this one 24-20.

In response to White’s three keys to victory, the Texans also have three essentials that must be accomplished in order to give them their best chance of knocking off the Colts:

Advertisement

1. Stop Jonathan Taylor. It’s stating the obvious, but sometimes the correct answer is often times the most simple. If the Texans are able to contain Taylor and make the Colts’ offense one-dimensional, they can walk away with a victory.

2. Cause havoc for Daniel Jones. After dismantling the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line and obliterating quarterback Josh Allen for eight sacks, the Texans’ defensive line should yet again be on the warpath against the Colts’ offensive line.

Advertisement

The Colts have currently given up the ninth fewest sacks in the NFL with 21, so Houston might have to get creative with how to get home against Jones. Regardless, if the Texans can bring pressure similar to what they did last Thursday, it would pave the way for the 4th win in a row for the road team.

3. Take advantage of a questionable Colts secondary. As the Texans Roundtable mentioned yesterday, the Colts have one of the worst performing secondaries in yards per game given up in the NFL (245.4, ranked 27th). With Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returning to action on Sunday, the Texans will be able to truly test Indy’s revamped secondary.

If offensive coordinator Nick Caley and the offense can put together an effective enough game plan for the receiving core and take advantage of multiple matchup opportunities in coverage, Houston could be well on the way to taking round one at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Advertisement

What other keys can you think of for a Houston victory in Indianapolis? Let us know in the comment section below or on the official Texans Roundtable X account (@Texans_RTB)!