FINAL: Indianapolis Colts roll Houston Texans, 25-3

Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) causing a fumble that results in a safety at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 25-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts finally came out and showed signs of life in the first half of a football game on Sunday. In a 25-3 win over the Texans, the Colts scored their first touchdown in the first half of a game since October 20th.

The Colts (9-5) opened up the game with a beautiful 11-play, 80 yard touchdown drive that was capped by a TD toss to Griff Whalen. 

Whalen was outstanding for the Colts all day long. He finished with four receptions for 45 yards. He was especially impressive returning punts, with three returns for a total of 67 yards. His second was an impressive 51-yard return where he simply refused to go down.

The defense was dominant all afternoon. The Colts forced five three-and-outs, Darius Butler intercepted two passes, and the Texans (2-12) never even sniffed the red zone.

Robert Mathis set a single season franchise record for sacks with 16.5, previously held by Dwight Freeney. Mathis did it on a sack/strip that resulted in a safety.

The Texans were held to just 239 total yards. The Colts finally showed off a pass rush with four sacks and eight QB hits. Rookie Bjoern Werner notched the first sack of his career today.

Andrew Luck completed 19-of-32 passes for 180 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Luck’s cadence deserves a game ball as he was able to get the Texans to jump offsides three times with a hard count before the snap.

Trent Richardson had his best game since being traded to the Colts. He had 64 yards on 19 carries and four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.

TY Hilton led the Colts in receiving with eight catches for 78 yards.

The Colts seemed to throw out most of the play book, favoring an up-tempo spread offense that suits the teams current strengths. The Texans continued to beat themselves with 14 penalties for 114 yards.

Up next, the Colts will head out west to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

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