What We Saw: Week 1

Texans @ Colts

Final Score: Texans 29  – Colts 27

Writer: Chris Helle (@ChrisHelleQBL on Twitter)

After last year’s Week 18 battle for a playoff ticket, a Week 1 rematch of these AFC South rivals set the stage for an old-fashioned dogfight… and these two teams did not disappoint. Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud picked right back up where he left off, utilizing new weapons Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs. On the other side was the return of Anthony Richardson, whose dual-threat capability had filled the offseason with speculation about what could be in store for this year. It was a back-and-forth game in the first half, the Texans pulled ahead in the second half, the Colts scored late to keep it interesting, and the Texans held on to get the win.

Two Up

• Joe Mixon – Firmly establishing himself as the bell-cow on this offense, Mixon saw 30 carries and provided the spark to this Texans run game they hoped to gain from his acquisition.
• Alec Pierce – A 60-yard touchdown early and a 57-yard catch later on, both contested grabs. These were two of his only three targets, but the Colts needed those big plays to keep them competitive in this game.

One Down

• Dalton Schultz – With the talent surrounding him in this offense, Schultz was a nonfactor in this game and appears to be at least 4th or 5th man on the totem pole.

Houston Texans

Quarterback

C.J. Stroud: 24/32 234 Yards, 2 TDs | 4 Attempts, 13 Yards

With the added weapons around him, the only one that could stand in the way of Stroud’s success would be himself. Other than almost throwing an interception when he attempted to throw the ball away amidst a near sack, he made great decisions all day and consistently hit his targets. He also made a few plays with his legs when he recognized room to run, despite that not being his forte.

Running Back

Joe Mixon: 30 Attempts, 159 Yards, 1 TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 19 Yards

Statisticians believed Mixon’s numbers last year indicated inefficiency, though his performance showed he remains a more than capable running back. The transition from Cincinnati did not impact his volume, usage in the passing game, or play-making ability. He’s as reliable as they come, and a key piece of this high-powered offense.

Dameon Pierce: 3 Attempts, 16 Yards

Only getting a handful of touches, the clear #2 behind Mixon didn’t break off any major plays to earn himself more playing time. Barring any injury to Mixon, Pierce will likely remain as the reliever with an insignificant snap share.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Nico Collins: 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 117 Yards

With a committee of receivers for Stroud to throw to, Nico maintained a respectable target share despite not finding the end zone. His role as a deep threat proved true bringing in a 57-yard bomb as his first catch of the day. He also ended the day with an incredible sideline catch for a first down critical to sealing the game.

Stefon Diggs: 6 Targets, 6 Receptions, 33 Yards, 2 TDs

As expected, Diggs wouldn’t match the target share he saw in Buffalo last season; however, he walked right into being an integral part of this Texans offense and scored twice on the day while catching all six of his targets. No one can doubt Diggs’ talent, and he should continue to be a key target for Stroud as the season progresses.

Tank Dell: 7 Targets, 3 Receptions, 40 Yards

It seemed as though the Texans were trying to get the speedy wideout involved early on in the game, but today simply wasn’t his day. A few of the missed targets came when Stroud was facing pressure, but today may have indicated that there are many mouths to feed on this offense.

Dalton Schultz: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 16 Yards

With the receiving corps around him, it will be hard for Schultz to make a bigger name for himself. Fantasy managers will have to hope Schultz sees some red zone targets as today indicated he will likely be a touchdown-dependant asset.

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

Anthony Richardson: 9/19 212 Yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT | 6 Attempts, 56 yards, 1 TD

Returning from last year’s season-ending injury, Richardson wasted little time before connecting with Alec Pierce for a 60-yard touchdown on the second drive of the game. Despite his undeniable ability as a runner, Richardson could have had a few more big play touchdowns that he overthrew. The inaccuracies were sprinkled throughout the game, but they were never ill-advised throws. The one interception he threw was due to the receiver slipping on Lucas Oil’s new turf, though he will have to dial it in to take that next step toward being considered an elite QB.

Running Back

Jonathon Taylor: 16 Attempts, 48 Yards, 1 TD

Taylor scored on a 5-yard run coming off a blocked punt but was caught in the backfield on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt. Even considering the strength of the Texans’ front four, there didn’t appear to be any glaring issues with the offensive line making this lackluster performance somewhat concerning. With how often the Colts were forced to throw the ball, combined with Richardson’s mobility, Taylor will have to hope for more favorable matchups and better run schemes moving forward to get anywhere close to the efficiency he provided two seasons ago.

Trey Sermon & Evan Hull: 0 Attempts, 0 Yards

Each came in for a few plays but neither was handed the ball. The Colts’ rush game was stagnant all day regardless, but not getting a single opportunity goes to show the gap between Taylor and the rest of the depth chart.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Michael Pittman Jr.: 8 Targets, 4 Receptions, 31 Yards

Pittman was held back due to a combination of good coverage and missed opportunities. While Pierce had the highlight catches of the day, Pittman remains the defacto #1 and the limited production should only be a concern for Richardson doubters.

Alec Pierce: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 125 Yards, 1 TD

Somewhat discounted by the community because of last season’s limited production despite his snap share, Pierce jumped into the limelight after bringing in a 60-yard touchdown on the second drive of the game. He also caught a 57-yarder in the second half, outshining rookie Adonai Mitchell. While these catches make the highlight reel, he wasn’t too involved in the game outside of these few deep shots. Mitchell also saw two deep shots that just didn’t connect.

Adonai Mitchell: 5 Targets, 1 Reception, 2 Yards

Richardson overthrew Mitchell twice on 40+ yard passes, and both would have been touchdowns had the throws been better. The absence of Josh Downs provided an opportunity to make a bigger mark in this game, and he nearly did so, but Alec Pierce gets the spotlight for bringing in the more accurate deep balls that went his way.

Josh Downs: DNP