The Indianapolis Colts look like legit contenders in the AFC after a big home win behind four Jacoby Brissett touchdowns over the Houston Texans.
The AFC South figured to be between Indianapolis and Houston heading into the year. It still figures to be that way but it’s the Colts who have the edge over the Texans after their Week 7 win in Indy.
Jacoby Brissett threw a career-high four touchdowns on 326 yards in the 30-23 win as he continues to have a marvelous season as the team’s starter. He connected on a pair of touchdowns with second-year breakout candidate Zach Pascal who had six receptions for 106 yards. Eric Ebron and T.Y. Hilton also hauled in scores from Brissett and topped 70 yards, respectively.
The rushing attack didn’t need to do much of the heavy lifting with Brissett dialed in as he was but Marlon Mack had a serviceable 44 yards. But the story of the Colts offense was Brissett and if he can play like this on a week-to-week basis, the Colts will be the team to beat in the AFC South and could make noise in the AFC.
With the win, the Colts are 4-2 and hold the lead over the 4-3 Texans and the all-important early head-to-head battle. It’s far from a finished race, but the Colts control their destiny in the division.
The Colts defense sealed with the win when Darius Leonard picked off a Deshaun Watson pass in the closing seconds as they tried to mount a game-tying touchdown drive. It wasn’t in the works for Watson on this afternoon, however, on a day he was held relatively in check.
Watson has a great case to be the first-half MVP, at least in the AFC, but was limited to only one passing touchdown on 308 mostly hollow yards and two interceptions. The Colts defense bent a little but didn’t break. The Colts allowed three field goals to the Texans and that defense played at critical moments was ultimately the difference.
If the Texans converted some of those field goals into touchdowns, the complexion of the game takes on a totally different feel and vibe.
But there was nothing stopping Brissett on this day who reminded everyone the Colts are in good hands under center when so many were panicked after Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement toward the end of the preseason.
With Brissett leading the way, Indianapolis can not only win the AFC North but could be the No. 2 contender to behind the Patriots with Patrick Mahomes facing injury concerns.