Colts beat Texans with fumble at end, just like three weeks ago

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard made his final punch count Sunday.

When it landed, Houston was finished — again. Philip Rivers threw a tiebreaking touchdown pass to Zach Pascal with 1:47 left and Leonard forced Keke Coutee to fumble with 19 seconds to go, sealing Indy’s 27-20 victory over Houston. Bobby Okereke recovered the skittering ball in the end zone for the Colts’ second win in three weeks over the Texans —in almost the exact same way.

“I always say pressure does one of two things — it busts pipes or it makes diamonds,” Leonard said. “I’m the kind of guy who, when the pressure’s there, I want to make the play. Luckily today, I was in the right place to make the play.”

He’s been making an impact for three seasons, but this game-saving turnover might be his most important play yet.

The Colts (10-4) have won three straight, remain tied with Tennessee atop the AFC South and move a little closer to the Titans in division record, the second tiebreaker. Tennessee beat Detroit on Sunday.

For Houston (4-10), it’s yet another inexplicable chapter in a wild and frustrating season.

Rivers finished 22 of 28 with 228 yards and two scores. Jonathan Taylor had 16 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Watson was 33 of 41 with 373 yards and two touchdowns. David Johnson had 11 receptions for 106 yards in his first action since coming off the COVID-19 list and Coutee had five catches for 53 yards and one score before the fumble.

■ NEXT: Bengals at Texans, 10 a.m. Sunday. Colts at Steelers, 10 a.m. Sunday.