On Sunday night, the Colts handled division rival Houston with authority, pulling away in the second half for a 37–24 victory and improving to a league-best 8–0. In a matchup loaded with talent on both sidelines, Indianapolis once again proved that balance, discipline, and star power remain the formula behind their unbeaten run.
Richardson in Full Control
At the center of it all is Anthony Richardson, who is once again playing football at an MVP-caliber level.
Nearly mirroring last season’s historic campaign, Richardson delivered another flawless performance:
- 315 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 turnovers
- 3 rushes, 88 yards, 1 rushing TD
Time and again, when Houston attempted to generate momentum, Richardson answered with a back-breaking throw or explosive run. His ability to punish defenses both vertically and on the ground continues to stretch coverages thin and open the entire offense.
Eight games into the season, Richardson has yet to show any sign of regression — only refinement.
Weapons Everywhere
The Colts’ offense once again showcased its depth and versatility.
Jonathan Taylor, in the middle of another All-Pro caliber season, quietly did what he always does: move chains and control tempo.
- 16 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD
- 4 receptions, 32 yards
While Taylor steadied the run game, the passing attack stole the spotlight.
Xavier Worthy was uncoverable on the outside, torching Houston’s secondary with:
- 11 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
Meanwhile, tight end Tyler Warren delivered perhaps his best game of the season:
- 6 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD
Whether attacking the seams or stretching the boundary, the Colts consistently found favorable matchups and exploited them with precision.
Defense Turns Up the Pressure
If the offense controlled the pace, the defense slammed the door.
The Colts’ secondary delivered a turnover clinic, finishing with four interceptions — each by a different defender:
- Justin Walley
- Charvarius Ward
- Domani Jackson
- Nick Cross
Every takeaway seemed to come at a critical moment, halting Houston drives and flipping momentum back in Indianapolis’ favor.
Up front, the pass rush continued its relentless assault.
Rookie standout Laiatu Latu added:
- 3 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
That brings his season total to an eye-popping 8.5 sacks in just eight games, firmly establishing him as one of the league’s premier young edge rushers.
Veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke chipped in with another sack of his own, as the Colts consistently collapsed the pocket and forced rushed decisions from the Texans’ quarterback.
Perfect Record, Bigger Test Ahead
At 8–0, the Colts now stand alone atop the league standings, showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve dominated division rivals, outlasted contenders, and continued to evolve on both sides of the ball.
But the schedule only gets tougher.
Next up is a showdown with the red-hot Carolina Panthers, one of the hottest teams in the league and a legitimate threat to end Indianapolis’ perfect season.
For now, though, the message is clear:
The Colts are undefeated.
They are balanced.
And they are very much the team everyone else is chasing.
The road to the playoffs still runs through Indianapolis.
