The AFC South division has through four weeks of NFL football produced not a single team above .500. Just as the NFC East, none of the four teams within the division seem to have a clear advantage. The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2015 season believing they would march all over the division considering the way they have played over the last few seasons, but their unimpressive 2-2 start which was aided by a missed Jacksonville field goal in overtime this weekend has critics wondering if the Colts will ever develop into the powerhouse they were expected to be before the season. Tonight, the Indianapolis Colts will visit NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans in Week 5 of Thursday Night Football. Below, I've laid out an analysis, bare with me now.
(Oct. 3, 2015 - Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Colts QB Andrew Luck missed Week 4 with a nagging shoulder injury but is expected to play in tonight's match-up. Not only in regards to his absence but the Luck had seemingly ran out for Indianapolis in Week 4 until Jacksonville Jaguars rookie kicker Jason Myers missed a game winning field goal that would have put the Colts at 1-3 with the rest of the division. Though they escaped and were able to add a win to their season record, certainly the league has big questions for the way Indianapolis is performing thus far. At 2-2, their combine opponent records are 6-9, meaning that they haven't played the better of teams in the league like perhaps the Seahawks or Ravens. The acquisition of HB Frank Gore has produced them just 4.2 yards per attempt and QB Luck's 7 interceptions aren't to write home about. Nevertheless QB Andrew Luck is sure that he can turn it around going forward. He will of course need a horrid Colts rushing game to improve. Tonight look for the Colts to be met with a high intensity Texans team who alike have many unmet expectations thus far in 2015.
(Oct. 3, 2015 - Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
Even after getting blasted by the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, there's still no reason not to have faith in the Houston Texans. Though their season record sits at 1-3, they still have a chance to win the AFC South division. If they are to defeat the Colts tonight, they'll be tied for first place in the division going into a well needed nine day rest before they come back in Week 6. The quarterback situation is clearly a mess down in Houston, but offensive coordinator Rick Dennison believes QB Ryan Mallett's lack of success is due to his inability to be patient. Mallett has thrown an interception in each of the three games he's gotten the start this season, and has a 65.3 passer rating. The disgust was written all over DE J.J. Watt's face in the fourth quarter against Atlanta. Don't expect the Texans to come out uncompetitive tonight on their home field with the entire world watching. Be prepared for Houston to redefine themselves with the running game in a low scoring defensive showdown.
