Approximately 100 hours after wrapping up an overtime loss to the Cowboys, the Texans will kick off against the Colts.
Both squads bring 3-2 records to the AFC South rumble, and Indianapolis has won three straight after starting the season with a pair of losses. A truncated week means both squads won't have as much prep time.
"We've got to turn around real quick," left tackle Duane Brown said. "We suffered a difficult loss yesterday but it's in the past now. We have a very, very important game against a very good team coming up Thursday night. We've all switched our attention to that."
The Colts offense has impressed head coach Bill O'Brien. They're tops in the NFL with 321.8 passing yards per game, and second overall in offense with 439.6 per contest. In addition to quarterback Andrew Luck, Indianapolis has quite a few weapons.
"They have an array of tight ends," O'Brien said. "They have, obviously, the guys like (T.Y.) Hilton, Reggie Wayne on the outside that are very, very good receivers and two backs that can run the football. They're a dangerous offense and again, it's a big challenge, just like it is every week for our defense."
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said the Texans might pare down some of what they do to get ready, in comparison to a normal week.
"It's going to simplify what they do just in terms of the very short week that we have to prepare," Fitzpatrick said. "We'll go out there and hopefully play fast."
The Texans have won both home games this season, and the road team in Thursday night games thusfar has lost every time, save for Week 4. That evening, the Giants clobbered Washington by a 45-14 margin.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7 p.m. CT.
[
