Colts Veteran Breathes Life Into Run Game in Win Over Texans

After having virtually no running back help in their season opener, the Indianapolis Colts had a major lift in the ground game from Zack Moss in his season debut.

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Sunday by a score of 31-20. While the passing game went well for the Colts, it was truly the effort of Zack Moss and the run game that stood out.

After a brutally poor performance from the running backs as a whole in the 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener with Deon Jackson leading the committee, the Colts were looking for a major boost from that position group to help the offense move better on Sunday. It also keeps defenses guessing by not making head coach Shane Steichen one-dimensional in his offensive approach.

Enter Moss.

After rehabbing a forearm injury and missing the Jaguars game, Moss took all of the running back touches against Houston and did the most with his opportunities.

Moss was impressive, carrying the pigskin 18 times for 88 yards (4.9 avg.) and a touchdown. He would also tie with Josh Downs for the second-most receptions on the day with 4 for 19 yards.

In total, the Colts accumulated 126 yards on 23 carries (5.5 avg.) and 3 touchdowns.

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While the offensive line played better from a run-blocking standpoint, Moss also was finding gaps and being patient with his carries and cuts, taking time to hit full-burst. He would even bust off an 11-yard scamper to help further unlock the offense as the quarters progressed. 

It’s a great sign that Moss can put up these numbers while the running back committee is still finding its footing and Jonathan Taylor is working to return to full health. Even if Taylor returns, Moss has likely carved out a permanent role of some capacity in this offense given his efficiency and how well he takes advantage of his opportunities. 

Outlook

Moss isn’t better than Taylor. However, he’s displaying heart, determination, and solid reliability. Branching off of the latter half of 2022 where Moss would take over the backfield while Taylor was hurt, he continues to show he belongs with the Colts potentially past this season. 

While the Texans aren’t a dominant defense, they are still professionals and a great game is a great game no matter how you cut it. We’ll see if Moss can continue his ascension against a better opponent in the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday afternoon.

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