Critical miscue dooms Colts in must-win game

The winner of Saturday night’s game in Indianapolis between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts was going to the playoffs while the loser was going home. Ultimately, the Texans were the victors.

Houston made several big plays during the game but ultimately, the deciding play was one that the Colts failed to make.

A Devin Singletary touchdown with 6:20 left gave the Texans a 23-17 lead. Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, though, missed the extra point. The missed PAT seemed like it would loom large. Indianapolis drove deep into the Texans’ territory. Houston’s defense stopped Jonathan Taylor for one yard on a third-and-two, setting up a do-or-die fourth-and-one with 1:06 left. The play became even more do-or-die when the Colts took a time-out before the fourth down play.

Shane Steichen dialed up a pass play. The play looked like it would work well. Running back Tyler Goodson was wide open for a first down and potentially more. Gardner Minshew’s pass was behind Goodson, though, and while the running back got both of his hands on the ball, he couldn’t bring it in.

The Texans couldn’t quite run out the rest of the clock. On fourth down, punter Cameron Johnston took an intentional safety, going out of bounds with one second left. Houston only had to stop Indianapolis from returning the ensuing free kick for a touchdown. The Texans did that to secure a victory and a playoff spot.

Naturally, that put the spotlight on the mistake from Goodson and Minshew.

Houston can enjoy its Sunday knowing that a playoff spot is assured. If the Tennessee Titans upset the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans will win the AFC South. If not, they will be a Wild Card team.

For the Colts, the finish of the 2023 season will be a bitter pill to swallow for a while. But with quarterback Anthony Richardson set to return next season, there’s a lot to be optimistic about.