Houston Texans beat Indianapolis Colts 29-17 to claim AFC South for 2nd straight time – NFL Recap
One loss and the Houston Texans are back on winning ways with a bang, beating the visitors Indianapolis Colts 29-17 on Sunday December 16 to claim the American Football Conference (AFC) title for the second straight time.
From Colts coach Bruce Arians to quarterback Andrew Luck, everyone acknowledged it was a tough game for them to win at any stage, including the late comeback for which they are known this season.
Bruce said:
"It was a tough loss for us in that we came here with one idea and that was to win the division. And we're not going to win the division - they did it."
He was joined by QB Luck with almost a similar view:
"I think (the Texans) did a great job defensively of never letting us establish a rhythm," They definitely brought the pressure to us as opposed to us bringing it to them and forced us into some bad decisions."
Luck could manage to throw for only 186 yards with 13 out of 27 passes.
With the loss versus the Texans, the Colts are still left in search of a victory to be through to the playoffs on the first wildcard opportunity, which the rookie QB is hopeful to get.
According to Luck:
"There's still a chance to make the tournament. We'll fight for that."
The Colts went to Houston well prepared and a win on the mind. They had some chance given the Texans had lost their previous game to the New England Patriots.
It was also expected that they can regroup very strongly and beat the visitors, and it happened at the end. It is second time that the Texans have won the AFC South division. They won it for the first time in 2011, and now again for second straight time
in 2012.
They have also made the playoffs for the second straight season, after achieving the honours for the first time in 2011. This time, however, they have consistently been performing well. With impressive record of 12-2 they were first team, in fact, to reach
the playoffs this season.
Yet there are certain concerns for the team as they have lost two games against tougher oppositions. One of them was versus the New England Patriots last week. The team found themselves completely helpless and suffocated at all positions. This has raised
an alarm within the team, particularly coaches about handling such a situation later in the phases beyond the playoffs.
It is pertinent to note that the Texans are on the field this season as Super Bowl contenders, and have so far shown credentials for it. If they manage to sustain the playoff pressure they should be through the title game.
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