was displayed today by the Houston Texans. Houston destroyed Indy in the run game. Arian Foster had the second best opening day for a RB in NFL history. 200+ yds and 3 TDs. I know its only week 1, but this might be the end of the Colts run in the AFC. Their defense looks really soft. Their O-line looks suspect too. Manning was under more pressure today than I've seen in a long time. Maybe it's only Super Bowl hangover, but the Colts don't look unbeatable anymore. Congrats to Houston on a HUGE win for their franchise.
I watched the game. Several announcers predicted Houston to upset them as they've been so close lately. They stuffed the run and kept Manning's passes short. And then ran it down their throat. It was a good win.
I said this was do or die time for the Texans. This was about as much of a MUST win situation as I can remember for a team's opening game. So happy they could finally do it. I think Schaub still has to play at a much higher level in these type games. He can dominate the poor defenses, but when it comes to the really big games, he usually doesn't come through. He really didn't this time around either, his running game and defense just bailed him out this time.
It definitely worked for the Texans on Sunday, but if I'm not mistaken, I believe the year the Colts won the Super Bowl, they were dead last in the league in rushing defense. If not, I know they were close to it. I remember several teams had 200+ yard rushing days. Of course, that's the same year that Peyton Manning had those ridiculous numbers too. Defense wins championships most of the time, but that year was the exception.
And if i'm not mistaken, that year Bob Sanders came back late in the season and the defense dominated after that.
Right. He did come back and he was a difference maker, but I don't think they were dominate. They definitely did not have anyone rush for 200 plus yards, but they still had several 100+ yard rushers. Thomas Jones had 115yds, a TD, and averaged 7.5 yards a carry in the Super Bowl. But their D also had a pick/6 if I recall, so yeah, they definitely picked it up after Sander's returned.
I can't remember if they were dominant, but I do remember Peyton Manning playing like he wanted to lose every game in the playoffs. His pass rating was awful and the defense won all the games during that playoff run because he sure didn't help them out. The colts have always struggled against the run.
Yep, I think they played the Ravens in a snooze fest that year and didn't even score a TD. I think they're kicker had 5 FGs or something like that.
