The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for an exciting Week 1 matchup as they kick off the 2024 NFL season against division rivals, the Houston Texans, at Lucas Oil Stadium. This clash is set to bring some serious heat, as the Colts’ fierce defensive front takes on a Texans offense full of playmakers, including rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, dynamic running back Joe Mixon, and wide receiver standouts Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins. But if the Colts want to start their season on a high note, they’ll need to focus on a few key areas.
The Colts Defense: Front-Heavy, But Some Unknowns
The Colts' defense is certainly anchored by a powerful front line, but let’s be real—there are some significant question marks in the secondary. With injuries and untested players in the back end, the pressure will be on the front seven to not only generate pressure but also help out a potentially vulnerable backfield. The Texans, on the other hand, are bringing a mix of explosive offensive talent. They’ve got a future star in C.J. Stroud, who will be making his NFL debut, and he’s got plenty of help from the likes of Joe Mixon in the run game and two lethal targets in Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
But, here's where it gets interesting: the Colts may not have to completely stop the Texans offense to win. If they can slow things down and make Houston work for their points, they’ll have a much better chance. So, let’s break it down—what exactly do the Colts need to do to contain this Houston squad and leave Week 1 with a "W"?
1. Limit the Texans' Run Game
It all starts with limiting the Texans on the ground. We all know Joe Mixon is a beast, capable of gashing defenses with his combination of power and speed. If the Colts can bottle him up and keep Houston’s run game in check, they’ll be able to set the tone for the entire defense. When an offense struggles to move the ball on the ground, they’re forced into obvious passing situations. That’s when a defense can really tee off. On the flip side, if Houston can move the chains with the run, they’ll be in short-yardage situations, and their playbook will open up.
This would put immense pressure on the Colts' secondary, which, as mentioned, is a bit of a question mark. Let’s face it: if Mixon starts ripping off big chunks of yardage, that opens the door for C.J. Stroud to find Diggs and Collins downfield. Not exactly a situation Indy wants to be in.
2. Pressure, Pressure, Pressure
If you’re a Colts fan, this is music to your ears. The front office has poured resources into building one of the most intimidating defensive fronts in the league. Now, it’s time to see if that investment pays off. The Colts must bring constant pressure on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud if they want to disrupt the Texans' offense.
Stroud may be a talented rookie, but like all young quarterbacks, he’s susceptible to pressure. If Indy can collapse the pocket consistently, they’ll not only reduce the time their secondary has to cover Houston’s talented receivers, but they’ll also force Stroud into making rushed, inaccurate throws. And let’s not forget—pressure leads to sacks, and sacks lead to long down-and-distance situations, which can kill drives.
This also gives the Colts an advantage when it comes to forcing turnovers. A rookie under constant pressure is bound to make mistakes, and if Indy can capitalize on those mistakes, they could swing the momentum in their favor.
3. Limit Big Plays in the Passing Game
With Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell in the mix, the Texans have a deep and dangerous wide receiver corps. That’s going to be a challenge for the Colts’ secondary, no question about it. The key here won’t necessarily be stopping Houston’s passing game entirely—that’s probably unrealistic—but limiting the big plays.
We’ve all seen it before: one or two massive downfield completions can completely change the complexion of a game. If the Colts can keep the Texans' passing attack in front of them, avoid blown coverages, and tackle well, they’ll make Houston earn every yard. Sure, the Texans might still move the ball through the air, but if Indy can make them grind out long drives rather than giving up huge chunks of yardage, they’ll be in a much better position.
It’s easier said than done, but if the Colts can force the Texans into methodical drives, they increase the chances that Houston will make a mistake—whether it’s a penalty, a dropped pass, or even a turnover.
4. Get Off the Field on Third Down
It’s no secret that winning on third down is critical for any defense, and that will be especially true for the Colts in this game. Whether it’s by creating turnovers or simply forcing the Texans to punt, Indy has to find a way to get off the field and give their offense as many chances as possible.
Stopping the Texans on third down not only prevents scoring opportunities but also gives the Colts offense more time to work, potentially flipping the field position in their favor. If the Colts can win the time of possession battle, it could wear down Houston’s defense over the course of the game. And let’s not forget the ripple effect—more time for the Colts’ offense means more opportunities to control the clock and more chances to score.
5. Red Zone Stops: Bend, Don’t Break
The reality is that the Texans are going to move the ball at times. It’s just the nature of the game. But where the Colts can make a huge impact is in the red zone. If Houston gets inside the 20, it’s crucial for Indy to hold them to field goals instead of giving up touchdowns. A well-timed stop in the red zone can be the difference between a manageable game and one that gets out of hand.
This is where the Colts' defensive front really needs to shine. If they can be disruptive in the red zone—whether it’s by blowing up running plays or getting to Stroud for a sack—they can keep Houston off balance and force them to settle for three points instead of seven. Over the course of a game, those four-point differences can really add up.
Final Thoughts
The Colts' 2024 season opener against the Texans is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle, but the path to victory is clear. If Indy can stop the run, pressure C.J. Stroud, limit big passing plays, win on third down, and come up big in the red zone, they’ll put themselves in a great position to start the season 1-0.
It’s a game of chess, and the Colts will need every piece of their defense to contribute. If they do, it could be a long day for Houston. But if they slip up in any of these key areas, the Texans' offense is more than capable of making them pay. Expect some fireworks, and get ready for a showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium!
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