INDIANAPOLIS – Colts coach Shane Steichen didn’t offer much insight into his views on two key decisions in the team’s 29-27 loss to the rival Texans on Sunday in the season opener.
But the Colts head coach remained aggressive.
Indianapolis attempted a fourth-and-short on its first drive of the season, attempted a two-point conversion early in the third quarter to tie the game at 15-15, and attempted a fourth-and-short when they were down by two late in the game.
Steichen’s decisions did not play a decisive role in the final result.
Colts result: 10 thoughts from the Colts on Anthony Richardson and the defense in the 29-27 loss to the Texans in the season opener
Indianapolis’ starting quarterback Anthony Richardson missed his chance early on fourth down, but then made up for his decision on fourth down late in the game by bowling through a Texans tackler for a touchdown, bringing the Colts within two points with 2:14 left in the game.
Steichen could have opted for a field goal in this situation and reduced the lead to 29-23, knowing that the Colts would have had to score the touchdown if they had gotten the football back.
“I just tried it right there,” Steichen said. “I tried it right there and of course we scored on the fourth attempt instead of kicking the field goal.”
The Colts head coach could argue that Indianapolis was already close to the end zone—Richardson only had to score from 3 yards out—and he couldn’t guarantee the team would have enough time for a potentially game-winning drive.
Ultimately, Indianapolis’ defense failed to regain possession, rendering Steichen’s decision invalid.
The same could be said about Steichen’s attempt at a two-point conversion earlier in the game. Indianapolis was trailing 15-13 after Jonathan Taylor’s 5-yard touchdown run, and instead of kicking the extra point, Steichen called a gadget play, a reverse to Taylor, which was unsuccessful as the Texans saw through the intent and stopped the running back short of the goal line.
“We simply decided on one thing,” said Steichen.
The decision didn’t matter that much in the end. Indianapolis and Houston each scored two touchdowns in the remaining period; the Colts needed that two-point conversion to force a tie anyway.
