Texans regrouping after close loss

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans were one play away from likely extending their winning streak to three games on Sunday.

Instead a late fumble on the Colts 2 kept them from scoring and led to a 26-20 loss to Indianapolis.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had 341 yards passing for his third straight 300-yard game, took

the loss particularly hard after he was unable to handle the low snap that led to the fumble. The Colts recovered the ball after his fumble to seal the victory.

“We’re so close, and with being so close these last four years since I’ve been here, where we just can’t for some reason haven’t got over that (hump),” he said. “But one day we will for sure. I promise you that.”

Watson’s play has been one of the few bright spots in Houston’s dismal season. Interim coach Romeo Crennel appreciates that Watson assumed responsibility for Sunday’s

loss, but he was quick to point out that much more goes into wins and losses than his performance. “When it doesn’t go well, he blames himself, which is not necessarily right. But that’s what leaders do,” Crennel said. “It’s their job to pick up, step up and then get the team going. But I tell the guys all the time that it’s a team effort, and the team wins, and the team loses. Everybody plays a part in it and it’s not just one guy that can get it all done.”

What’s working

The Texans have been much better against the run in the past three games after giving up 231 yards rushing in a loss to the Browns on Nov. 15. Houston was allowing 167.4 yards rushing a game following that loss, but has given up just 101.3 yards rushing a game since then.

“Our guys stepped up and did their jobs, the linebackers filled the gaps and then we got off the field and gave the ball back to the offense,” Crennel said. “If we continue to do that, then our run defense will continue to improve. I think that the guys are beginning to see that and going down the stretch I expect to see it more on a regular basis.”

What needs help

While the run defense keeps improving, Houston’s running game continues to be largely ineffective. The Texans rank last in the NFL by averaging just 84.4 yards rushing a game.

Starter David Johnson returned on Sunday after missing three games because of a concussion, but only managed 44 yards rushing in limited action. Crennel hopes that Johnson will be able to do more this week after easing back into things this week in his return from injury.