Texans lose backup QB TJ Yates late in 1st half

The Colts’ playoff hopes look dim following the loss to Houston, but they could still sneak in with Luck’s return and an assist from the Titans and/or Jaguars.

After struggling and failing for 13 years in Indianapolis, the Texans finally got some relief Sunday from a third-string quarterback. And not just any Houston team.

Nor are too many going to remember that it was Alfred Blue’s 107 yards on 20 carries that gave the offense a lifeline throughout the game.

Ultimately, however, the Colts beat themselves. They’re smart guys. It’s not like it’s their first rodeo. “As far as a team, putting ourselves in first place, there’s nothing like it. We’ve been fighting all year for it. A lot of ups and downs, injuries, things like”.

And this is going to be one interesting match as both teams have similar records and are on top of the division as the Colts have the top spot with a 6-7 record, while the Texans are second but have the same win-loss standing at the moment. On Sunday, there Weeden was fishing the Texans’ most important game of the season out of the fire, conveniently and ironically enough, just several hours after the Cowboys were trying to get a win with the horrific Kellen Moore at quarterback. Houston’s emergency quarterback would be punter Shane Lechler. This was the next in a long line of poor to bad games played by the Texans tight end combo, to which I ask – what the hell did Garrett Graham (inactive for the seventh straight game) do to piss off these coaches? “He’s a playmaker, he’s got that ability and our guys saw that in him early on”. He had opportunities and he gave us great returns, he gave us great energy. “Just a fantastic job by him, a tough, tough kid, talented kid”. But Hasselbeck was picked off on the first play of the ensuing series. Brandon Weeden came into the game and finished the drive with a field goal, sending the Texans to halftime down a score.

It Hasselbeck’s tank isn’t empty, he’s running on fumes.

O-FFENSIVE: After starting its first possession of the game at its own 15-yard line, Indy started the next four drives at the Houston 42, the Houston 47, the Houston 35 and their own 47.

Hasselbeck was 17 of 30 with 147 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and needed help from Charlie Whitehurst to finish the game.

Hasselbeck took a major shot on a pass in the fourth quarter. All we had to do was seize it and we didn’t. Watt had a quiet night against New England, but he’s still tied for second in the league with 13.5 sacks on the season.

Houston extended its lead to 16-10 on Novak’s third field goal, a 32-yarder with 1:56 remaining. The Texans managed a respectable 305 yards of offense while the Colts had an embarrassing 190.

Fantasy Impact: After scoring double-digit fantasy points in five-of-six games between Weeks 6-to-12, the Texans D/ST took a nosedive the following two games. He averaged 16.3 yards per carry in the second quarter, which proved to be a a big response after the early fumble.

On the season, the Indianapolis Colts average 247.4 yards in passing and 88.8 yards in rushing. That 1,000-yard season guaranteed by Pagano during training camp, that seemed a certainty by midseason is now very much in jeopardy.

Added linebacker D’Qwell Jackson: “Matt is a warrior”. Brian Hoyer completed 11 of 22 passes for 155 yards. “Fighting through pain, showing the coaching staff what I have to offer”. Luck has a lacerated kidney and has not been cleared to play in a game. In that game, Yates heavily targeted DeAndre Hopkins, who hasn’t topped nine targets in his last three games but should today. Hasselbeck left briefly in the fourth quarter after being driven into the ground by Whitney Mercilus with what the team initially called a back injury. “We’ll practice Tuesday, I’ll see how I feel by then”.

Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts also was ruled out with a groin injury.