Instant Analysis: Texans avoid Anthony Richardson comeback, defeat Colts in 2024

Rivalry games are a must.

Until the last second.

One last hurray to pull off the upset: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richarson was sacked by Danielle Hunter to help the Houston Texans to a 23-20 victory at NRG Stadium.

The Texans (6-2) now improve to 3-0 in the division with the win over the Colts. Houston can also finish the month of October 4-1 by defeating the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

CJ Stroud wasn't at his best, but he managed to make up for his disappointing performance in Week 7. After throwing for 86 yards against the Green Bay Packers, Stroud completed 25 of 37 pass attempts for 285 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon remained the constant on the ground, scoring his fourth 100-yard rushing performance (102) in five games with 25 carries. He also tied the game at 10-10 with a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Richardson, who completed 10 of 32 passes, found the spark and ended the first quarter with a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. After that, he completed just one more drive of 70 yards.

After the two-minute warning, Richardson missed a pass intended for downs and was intercepted by Jalen Pitre. This led to a 7-yard touchdown reception by Tank Dell, which increased Houston's lead by seven yards.

Houston never lost the lead, but it never broke away either. Richardson scored on a 25-yard pass on downs to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Taylor.

On second-and-goal, Mixon fumbled at the 18-yard line. The ball was recovered by Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo for a 78-yard touchdown return, but upon further review, Odeyingbo was sent off for contact. Indianapolis stumbled three plays later.

Richardson found Trey Sermon for a 14-yard pass before rushing to the line to score the ball with one second left. The Texans' pass rush missed the ball on its first attempt, but rebounded as Danielle Hunter closed the lane and released the ball, which was later recovered by Will Anderson Jr.

Taylor, known for his ability to gain on the ground against Houston, was limited to 105 yards. Hunter finished the game with a team-leading two sacks.

Stefon Diggs finished the game with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards. Diggs left late in the third quarter with a non-contact knee injury and did not return.

Kickoff at MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Thursday

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Instant Analysis: Texans avoid Anthony Richardson comeback, defeat Colts in 2024