Patrick Peterson didn’t take long to make an impact for his new team in Houston. Trailing 17-14, Peterson took the opening kick-off of the second half 99-yards for the touchdown. This sparked the Texans, who looked sluggish in the first half, to a 31-24 win over the rival Indianapolis Colts in the season opener at Reliant Stadium.
The offense, which was moved the ball inconsistently over the first half, was bailed out by HB Arian Foster, who was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for this 148-yard, 3 touchdown game - the most spectacular one coming on an 80-yard run that put the Texans ahead for good. He also capitalized on a Colts special teams fumble, punching in a 1-yard touchdown as time expired to end the first half.
Not so great in his debut was Matt Stafford, finishing 10/17 for 155 yds and an interception. Stafford never found his groove, as he missed on a couple open receivers. Jacoby Jones received the bulk of the attention, catching 5 balls for 91 yds.
The Texans were unable to get much pressure on Colts QB Peyton Manning, as he completed 80% of his passes. He finished the day 16/20 for 240 yds and 2 TDs. TE Dallas Clark lit up the Texans secondary for 137 yds and a touchdown. Manning stayed on his feet for the majority of the game, as his offensive line only game up 2 sacks of the 13-year pro out of Tennessee.
Houston travels to Miami in Week 2 for a late afternoon tilt against the Dolphins, who are 0-1 following a 27-3 loss to the Patriots on the Monday Night Doubleheader. The Dolphins should be without starting pivot Chad Henne, who is doubtful for the game with a broken jaw.
