The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts started the 2024 regular season with fireworks.
2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson traded long completions throughout the game. RIchardson added a rushing touchdown in a strong return to the field after missing most of his rookie season.
After Ka'imi Fairbairn nailed a 51-yard field goal to open the scoring, Richardson found Alec Pierce with a 60-yard response for a score.
Fairbairn coolly hit a second field goal in the quarter, meaning the Texans didn't see the end zone until the second period.
And when they did, it was new WR Stefon Diggs on the end of a nine yarder from Stroud. Cutting over the middle, Diggs found space and ducked into the end zone to finish off a 3:29 drive.
In the second half, Fairbairn again split the uprights from 51-yards out but after a blocked punt, Jonathan Taylor had only five yards to go to add another six to the scoreboard for the home side.
In the fourth quarter, Richardson showed off his elite skillset as Houston leaned on Mixon. to eat up yards. The running back carried seven times and made a 1-yard reception in a drive he finished off with a three-yard grind into the endzone.
Richardson found Ashton Dulin for 54-yards to finish off a 1:29 touchdown drive, but Stroud responded by taking 7:30 off the clock and rolling left to hit Diggs for the wideout's second touchdown of the game.
The Colts quarterback was indefatigable and took his team 73 yards before lowering his shoulder to lean past the goalline and bring his team within two points.
With the ball back, Houston looked to Mixon twice before Stroud hit Nico Collins on the sideline. The wide receiver made a stunning catch that held up after review, and Mixon closed out the game with a trio of powerful runs.
The Texans open their home slate on September 15 at 7:20 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium against the Chicago Bears. Tickets are going fast and everyone will be wearing Liberty White for the home opener.
