Texans 20, Colts 17
In a must-win game, Texans grind out a big victory over the Colts
Nov 21, 2019, 10:27 pm
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The Texans were in a must-win situation against the Colts Thursday night and came through with a huge win. They won it 20-17. Here is how it all played out:
Offense
Positives: They were able to get some big plays in the passing game to both DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. The latter is rarely healthy enough to play, but on the few occasions he is on the field, he helps stretch the defense. It aided in Deshaun Watson throwing for 298 yards and 2 TDs on 19 of 30 passing. Fuller had a big third down catch late in the game to ice it.
Negatives: Watson had a first half pick that led to points. He also made a terrible pass on fourth and three in the third quarter that gave them no chance at converting. The running game was an absolute joke until Carlos Hyde broke free for 33 yards in the fourth quarter.
Defense
Positives: Early on, they kept the Colts at bay, not allowing any points until late in the second quarter. They came up with three straight stops in the second half that allowed them to win the game. They held Jacoby Brissett to just 129 yards passing. They had a massive stop on fourth and seven late in the fourth quarter that essentially won them the game.
Negatives: For a stretch, the Colts were able to run the ball almost at will, hit tight ends and running backs out of the backfield in the passing game and basically dominate for a time where they scored three straight times when the Texans missed tackles and looked sloppy. Fortunately they did just enough when it mattered. Still they forced zero turnovers, had just one sack and allowed the Colts 175 rushing yards and a 4.5 yards per carry average. The Colts dominated time of possession by almost seven minutes, converted 9 of 15 on third down and ran 65 plays to the Texans 55. Still, they got out with a win.
The bottom line
The Texans had to have this to have a realistic shot at winning the division. It was a tough, grind it out win, which the Texans have done a lot this year. As bad as they were on Sunday against the Ravens, this was a strong bounce back. Watson was clutch, the defense was OK enough and the Texans were able to escape with a victory. At 7-4, they lead the AFC South and with the Patriots up next they needed this one in the worst way.
Fortunately, they got it.
So far, in 2025, one thing is very clear about the Astros. Their pitching has carried this team, and is the big reason the club is above .500 while they wait for the bats to heat up.
But now the Astros are dealing with injuries to Spencer Arrighetti and Hayden Wesneski, during a tough stretch of the schedule where they intend to implement a six-man rotation.
In order to make room for Wednesday night's starter Colton Gordon, the Astros have decided to designate 2024 standout reliever Tayler Scott for assignment.
We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/PtvAyRYs09
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 14, 2025
Scott was outstanding for Houston in 2024, posting a 2.23 ERA over 68.2 innings. However, Scott has not seen the same results in 2025, as he's sporting a 5.40 ERA in a bullpen full of elite options.
Outside of Scott, the Astros don't have another pitcher in the bullpen with an ERA over 2.70. So the club's decision to DFA Scott after a tremendous 2024 appears to be a move that had to be made.