Every week of the season, I will delve into the data from the previous Colts game, analyzing the numbers to create a detailed narrative of “what happened,” while also comparing the Colts against all other teams in the league. For definitions of the stats mentioned, refer to the Season Stats. Special thanks to Pro Football Reference, NFL.com, and the nflFastR project for their invaluable weekly data.
In week 1, the Houston Texans dominated the Indy defense, earning 26 first downs, tying for the most in the league that week and surpassing 94% of games in 2023 in terms of first downs. Their impressive 83.9% Drive Success Rate (DSR) ranked 2nd highest for the week, leading to scoring opportunities on 7 out of 9 drives.
The Colts allowed over 400 yards and 29 points, with Houston mismanaging the clock at the end of the first half. Otherwise, the score could have been more lopsided.
TEAM TOTALS
(Use the right-left arrows to toggle between stats for the week and the season).
Mouseover for definitions: Adj PPD,
Team PPG,
Off PPG,
Yds,
P/R%,
DSR,
yds/srs,
Strt Fld,
xOPPD,
yds/ply,
EPA/ply,
adj TSR,
1st/ply,
Pen 1st/ Yds,
3DC,
3rd ytg,
Expl Plys,
TO,
TOP%
The Colts defense struggled in week 1, giving up the 2nd most yards and the 5th most points per drive. They also surrendered the 3rd most EPA per play, allowing Houston to achieve the 5th highest play Success Rate and the 3rd highest first down conversion rate.
Overall, there were few positive takeaways from the performance.
PASS TOTALS
(Use the right-left arrows to toggle between stats for the week and the season).
Mouseover definitions: EPA/db,
PSR,
Cmp,
Att,
Yds,
TD,
Int,
Sk,
Sk Y,
1st/db,
ny/d,
cmp %,
aDOT,
cpoe,
YBC,
YAC,
20+ #/Yd
The passing defense showed some promise, holding C.J. Stroud to below average yardage efficiency and keeping his Success Rate in check with 4 sacks. However, a couple of big pass plays boosted Stroud’s overall EPA efficiency, landing the Colts defense at 22nd against the pass.
Despite the challenges, there were areas of improvement in the passing defense.
RUSH TOTALS
(Use the right-left arrows to toggle between stats for the week and the season).
Mouseover definitions:
adj RSR,
Yds,
Car,
TD,
1st,
Fum Lost,
RSR,
1st/c,
YPC,
10+ #/Yd,
3rd,
3DC,
epa/c
The run defense struggled significantly, allowing Houston to run freely with the 2nd most carries and the most rushing yards in the league that week.
The Colts defense gave up 5 yards per carry, ranking 29th in the league, leading to Houston’s 5th highest EPA per carry and 6th best adj Rush Success Rate.
Improvements are needed in stopping the run game moving forward.
CONCLUSION & LOOK AHEAD
The Colts’ defense faced challenges in week 1, struggling against both the pass and the run, allowing numerous explosive plays. Areas for improvement were identified.
In week