QB Andrew Luck aims to lead Indianapolis Colts to win over Houston Texans – NFL Preview
The Indianapolis Colts will play a home game against the Houston Texans this Sunday (Dec. 30) and their offence leader, rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, is confident that they are capable of walking over the visitors.
Both teams are through to the playoffs and result does not stand affecting their position in the league. A win however is more important for the Texans as otherwise they stand losing home-field advantage and a bye in the first week.
Luck said:
"As an offense, if we can control the ball and not give it over, we're going to have a chance to win."
The encouraging news for the Colts is that they are back under reign of coach Chuck Pagano. After having successfully fought Leukaemia in three months, the coach is back into coaching duties from the Texans’ game.
He has been handed over the main coaching role by interim coach Bruce Arians, who has led the Colts to an impressive record of 10-5 in Pagano’s absence, and the team hopes to continue the winning momentum with the fulltime coach in control of the affairs.
Also, since the Texans have exposed themselves at third down position as far as running game is concerned, the Colts stand a chance to exploit the weakness to their advantage.
In realistic terms, the Colts know a win versus the Texans is not an easy task. They, as backed by their offence leader, will definitely give a try, though.
On other hand, except for the problem in running the ball from third down, the Texans are heading into the game with a victory clearly on their mind. Coach Gary Kubiak has been trying to work on the third down issue and there is a possibility the team shows
an improvement in the next game.
The coach said:
"There's many, many issues going on. But there is one consistent issue and the consistent issue is third-and-long."
Gary has backed the Texans for a must win to claim the home-field advantage, which, he thinks, will give an upper hand in the second round. A possibility of walking over the oppositions in front of their home-crowd is greater than in road games.
As has been the case during entire this season, the offensive trio comprising QB Matt Schaub, wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster is crucial to their victory chances. Their ability to run the ball is a key to the Texans’ offensive strategy,
the backbone of their majority of wins.
It is important to note that the Texans already have a win versus the hosts and they can target that victory to play into their confidence building and finding of rhythm. Odds are also in their favour.
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