Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has posted average statistics rather than strong ones. Jones has completed 66.1% of his passes for 376 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions through two games. The Colts rank 29th in EPA per drop back entering week 3.
ESPN analyst Seth Walder predicted that the Texans’ defense will score a touchdown against Indianapolis. His reasoning is straightforward and, he specifically pointed to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter rushing Jones, with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter covering the backend. That combination creates a path to either a sack-fumble or an interception returned for six.
Houston’s pass rush can make Jones uncomfortable given their seven-sack record through two games, the fourth-most in the NFL. However, the Texans also allowed 36 points to Buffalo and 20 to the Bengals, failed to record an interception, and sit at minus-two in turnover differential.
Against Jones, Houston has a quarterback matchup that should give its front seven more chances to dictate the game. Indianapolis is missing deep threat Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin is also out, reducing the Colts’ ability to stretch Houston’s secondary. As a result, Jones may have fewer chances to attack vertically against Stingley and Lassiter.
Colts’ Defensive Struggles Give C.J. Stroud a Chance to Finally Break Out
The Colts have allowed 514.5 yards per game, the most in the NFL through two weeks. They have also surrendered 675 passing yards and have yet to intercept a pass. That creates a favorable setup for Houston, as Stroud has already thrown for 627 yards without an interception this season.
The Texans’ problem has not been moving the ball as much as finishing drives. Houston averages 377.5 yards per game but only 18.5 points. Stroud can attack a secondary that has struggled to create turnovers. He has also protected the football so far, giving Houston an important advantage in this matchup.
Without Nico Collins, the Texans cannot simply wait for one receiver to take over. Stroud will need to spread the ball among Dalton Schultz, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and the rest of the receiving corps. The Colts’ inability to force turnovers gives Stroud some room to stay aggressive.
Jonathan Taylor has been excellent for the Colts so far, but their defense has not matched his production. The Texans need Stroud to turn yardage into touchdowns.
