Indianapolis at Houston, Week 5
Everyone figured there'd be at least one team desperate for a win in this one. But both teams?
That seems to be the case. The Texans, who finally get to play at home, are looking to avoid an 0-4 start and the unfortunate historical stigma that comes along with it: Since the playoffs were expanded to six teams in 1990, only one team out of 60 -- the 1992 San Diego Chargers -- has started 0-4 and made the playoffs. Of all the teams to start 0-3 since 2002, only one out of 31 -- the 2004 Buffalo Bills -- has finished with a winning record.
Teams that start 1-3 -- a record the Colts are looking to avoid -- haven't fared much better. Since 1990, only 20 of 128 teams that started 1-3 have made the playoffs.
Indianapolis entered the season having held at least a share of first place in the AFC South for 60 consecutive weeks. Now they're 261/27 games out of first place for the first time since 2002.
The Texans looked much improved on Sunday against the Jaguars: They had more yards and first downs, fewer turnovers a greater time of possession and managed to hold running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to 57 yards. But they allowed Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard to throw for three touchdown passes and some key completions in overtime. Now they get to face Peyton Manning, who has had a week off to finally get in sync with the rest of his offense.
By
Matthew Bonesteel
|
October 3, 2008; 10:00 AM ET
| Category:
Game Previews Week 5
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