The non-stars who need to show up for their team to win
Who better ball for Colts and Texans
Jan 4, 2019, 6:04 am
The non-stars who need to show up for their team to win
You know the big names. Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson at quarterback. T.Y. Hilton and DeAndre Hopkins catching the ball from them. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney trying to make Luck run for his life. There's plenty of star power to go around in this game. The stars almost always show up in these games. With the stars performances almost a forgone conclusion we get to the next level of players. These players are non-stars who can turn the tide of the game.
Who better ball for the Colts or Texans to win the game? Let's find out.
Now, it is unknown if he is even going to play in this game. The Texans rookie wideout has played very little this season due to a hamstring injury. He is officially questionable and a game-time decision but it would make sense he is playing because if he wasn't the Texans have been wasting a roster spot on him.
He was magnificent in his NFL debut against the Colts earlier this season. It was his first NFL game action period as he missed the preseason with the hamstring injury. He caught 11 passes for 109 yards making clutch plays for Watson and the offense. If healthy and available, he provides an element the Texans don't have and would be tough to scheme for with the limited looks at him.
The former Canadian Football League pass catcher joined the Colts mid season and while it has taken some time for him to gel with the offense he's shown incredible talent the past two weeks. He's caught 11 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Now while it might not seem like a lot he stepped up when Hilton was ailing and the Texans have struggled to cover anyone on the Colts. Add to the fact they haven't faced Inman yet and he is a player to watch.
The Texans defensive lineman has had the most success this year against the AFC South. He absolutely mauled the Titans a little over a month ago and he sacked Luck the last time these two teams met. The Colts do a very solid job of neutralizing the Texans edge rushes with their quick passing game and even when they do risk a big drop back they have stymied Watt and Clowney more than a few times. Covington's ability to rush from the middle of the line is invaluable in this game. Especially if Clowney is rushing with him occupying Colts linemen. Covington will have to win solo battles and make plays.
He is one of the best stories on the field. A son to Haitian immigrants who played at Division II schools and was called the Division II Richard Sherman spent time as a temp agent to make money for a family he had when he was very young. Drafted by the Browns and bouncing around the NFL until he ended up playing for the Colts. He is maybe the most important player on the Colts defense. He got lit up in the first game between the Texans and the Colts. Last game though, he shadowed Hopkins and the best receiver in the NFL turned in his worst game with just four catches and 36 yards total. If Desir plays that way against Hopkins again, simply, the Colts win.
The Houston Texans improved to 2-0 on the season after their big victory over the Bears on Sunday Night Football.
Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein react to the Texans' win.