Rivers, defense help Colts to 26-20 win over Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Anthony Walker (54) celebrates with teammates after he recovered a fumble by Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON – With their offense sputtering in the second half Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts turned to their defense to seal a win over the Houston Texans. Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes in the first half and the defense dominated after that, lifting the Colts to the 26-20 victory. Their offense didn't score after that, but the defense held Houston (4-8) scoreless in the second half and Justin Houston added a safety with a sack of Watson in the end zone. With Sunday's shutout in the second half, the Colts are allowing an average of 7.33 points in the second half of games this season.
Colts grab tiebreaker in AFC South by beating Titans 34-17
The Colts (6-3) will host the rematch in Indianapolis on Nov. 29 after helping coach Frank Reich improve to 4-1 against Titans coach Mike Vrabel. The Colts smothered a Tennessee offense that had been averaging 384.6 yards a game, 10th-best in the NFL, and seventh-best averaging 29 points a game. Indianapolis took advantage of the Titans' special teams woes to score twice in the third quarter for a 27-17 lead. Tennessee went with a third different punter in three games, promoting Trevor Daniel after signing him to the practice squad last weekend. The Colts padded their lead to 34-17 with Jacoby Brissett capping the next drive with a 2-yard TD run with 9:21 left.
Lions grades: Defense allows catch to 11 different players in dreadful showing for secondary
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions were hammered 41-21 by the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Ford Field. See below for our grades on the Lions' performance:QuarterbacksMatthew Stafford turned in one of his worst starts in recent memory. Agnew ran once for 11 yards, and Stafford took off once for 10 yards. 🤸♂️📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/hrCMyhLpST — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 1, 2020Special teamsJack Fox remains very good at what he does despite taking a couple of low snaps. It was a repeat from Indy’s last game, and the Lions weren’t ready for it with their lives on the line.
mlive.comRivers' 3 TDs in 2nd quarter help Colts beat Lions 41-21
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Detroit. Rivers threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter to help the Colts surge past Detroit for a 41-21 victory Sunday following a first quarter in which they averaged a little more than 1 yard rushing on 10 carries. Rivers threw passes to 11 teammates. Hines had so much energy he celebrated each of his two touchdowns in the second quarter with moves that would make a gymnast proud, pulling off roundoffs into full twists in the end zone. Three plays later, Rivers threw a 7-yard, tiebreaking touchdown pass to Jack Doyle.
Lions can’t get defense off field in 41-21 drubbing to Colts: Live updates recap
Colts 41, Lions 2113:36 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25The Lions open with a sack, loss of 6 yards. Colts 35, Lions 2113:34 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25Pick 6 by Kenny Moore. 8:53 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 21It’s third-and-12 after an incompletion and a Swift rush attempt moving backward. 11:00 -- Indianapolis Colts drive starts on own 29Two runs by Jordan Wilkins is going to make it third-and-2 for the Colts. 3:46 -- Indianapolis Colts drive starts on Detroit’s 48The Colts are looking at a third-and-4 after two running plays.
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