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The Indianapolis Colts suffered a gut-wrenching, season-ending 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday. CJ Stroud delivered a sensational performance against a terrific Colts defense. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew had a tough outing. He completed only 13 of 24 passes for 141 yards.
Minshew had the chance to be the hero with a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. The Colts offense was having its way with the Texans' gassed defense and drove the 15 yards from the endzone when they faced a 4th-and-1.
With the season on the line, Colts head coach Shane Steichen called a slant backup running back Tyler Goodson. The play call was perfect, as Goodson found himself wide open. However, the running back dropped a slightly errant pass from Minshew, ending the drive and the Colts' season.
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Colts fans were irate with Goodson and called him out on social media for his drop. Here are some of their remarks:
Some fans suggested Minshew was just as much at fault as Goodson. However, most believe the pass was catchable, and the running back should have hauled it in and gotten the first down to keep the Colts' season alive.
AFC Playoff Picture: Texans win AFC South and will host a playoff game
The Texans' win over the Colts on the road on Saturday proved to be invaluable. On Sunday, the Tennessee Titans beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-20 to end their season on a high. The loss saw the Jaguars finish their regular season at 9-8 and miss the playoffs.
Jacksonville was 8-3 and looked set to win the AFC South and were also in the race for the #1 seed in the conference. However, they went 1-5 in their final six games and missed out on the playoffs.
The Jaguars' loss is the Texans' gain. Houston won the AFC South title with a 10-8 record and captured the division crown for only the seventh time in franchise history.
This further strengthens CJ Stroud's case to win the Rookie of the Year award. His only competition is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. The duo will split the Rookie Player of the Year award and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
A sensational year for Stroud is capped off with a division title win.
Colts Fans! Check out the latest Indianapolis Colts Schedule and dive into the Colts Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
